Textile Study Group

artists and tutors sharing ideas imagination and skills

Closer view	Closer view
Cuban Memories I and II mixed media 52 x 74cm

I worked as a graphic designer for the BBC and Granada Television for eight years before re-training to become an art teacher. I discovered textiles and ceramics and loved both. After several years, I had the opportunity to work part time and study embroidery and textiles in greater depth. There was an instant passion and I have been stitching ever since.

My recent mixed media work includes fabric, paper and stitch with paint, ink, dye and printing. I combine painted and printed papers with dyed and painted fabrics. Sometimes, I incorporate found objects, pins, staples and wire. The collages are stitched and often re-painted and re-worked with chalk, ink and more stitch.

I enjoy travelling and my work is often influenced by places I have visited. I am excited and inspired by architecture and landscape. I am interested in surfaces and textures where time has altered, worn and softened the colour. I use very simple hand and machine stitches to enhance and emphasize areas, using the needle as another mark making tool.

I like the freedom and spontaneity that working in sketchbooks brings and for several years I have recorded something visual every day. This could be a drawing, collage, painting, words, colour study, found object or photograph. My little sketchbooks have become my visual diary and I love them.

I am a member of the Embroiderers' Guild and of Green Door Studio Artists. I teach workshops from my own studio and other venues across the country.

Shelley Rhodes