I’m inspired by many things from rusty machinery, beautiful old buildings, coastal places, scenery and memories of growing up in a rural community, to name a few. I explore the tactile nature of fabrics, the range of textures and colours and enhance my work with thread.

Biography

Shirley’s background is as an Art/Textiles secondary teacher. She grew up on a farm in the Western District and her love of nature, landscape and history, in particular respect for those who fought for our country, is evident in her work.

Shirley paints with stitches using free motion machine embroidery as well as ‘Confetti’ quilting, with tiny pieces of fabric, representative of Impressionist painting. She also uses the machine as a drawing tool, to create geometric buildings combining stitch with paint in mixed media work. Shirley’s work has been presented in several newspapers and also the Textiles magazine.

Exhibitions: SWAC – Austin Health, Barwon Water Catchment Exhibition – COPACC, 45 Downstairs Gallery Melbourne – As part of Anna Taylor’s exhibition ‘Home Sweet Home’, Art Is – Book Exhibition, Wangaratta Stitched Up Textile Festival, Shrine of Remembrance – Melbourne, Queenscliff Neighbourhood House Gallery, Australasian Quilt Convention, Bellarine Arts Trail, Brunswick Street Gallery