RESIDENCY at kindred house, margate, UK
There is a place in Margate I got to spend my weeks in winter that has a very special atmosphere. It is called Kindred House and is run by a lovely Tasha that created this oasis for creatives wanting to immerse themselves in their work, while having the comfort of the home. I have spent several weeks in there in December 2023 and January 2024 and also more recently in Sept 2024.
Every time I step through the door of the house, I am already inspired. It is filled with beautiful objects, quirky and carefully selected. I spent my days in the studio space where I was able to explore my work, new projects and ideas, and evenings tucked in under the blanket by the fire. When not sewing, drawing, cutting fabric or ‘punching’ my cotton rug backing with wool, I would walk on the beach, drink coffee at Forts, eat dinner at Dory’s , or do endless searches at thrift and antique shops that Margate is full of. I love going to new locations and finding vintage fabrics and other objects full of stories from their previous lives that often inspire new projects.
The time at this residency was particularly important to my ongoing professional growth but also my personal transformation. Following the death of my husband Mark in February 2023 I needed to find my personal and creative ‘voice’ again. It is an ongoing process, however, the act of making allows me to connect with him on some other level and also identify how pivotal my creative practice has been in living in grief and healing.
‘Upaya’ quilt
quilted wall hanging, 100x60cm, 100% linen, cotton batting, cotton pearl quilting thread.
Upaya in Sanskrit means a path. The term comes from one of the interpretation of different meaning of yoga which was uniquely defined by the Sri K. Pattabhi Jois as a path that brings to an end the confusion of the mind, that allows us to distinguish awareness from the thoughts that are projected onto us, the path that leads us to liberation from conditioned thinking.
Yoga practice has been an integral part of my journey and even though it came into my life pretty late it has become a key aspect of the healing and mindset shifting. This piece represents the journey, the path, that life in grief manifests itself often in rather complex, nonlinear way.
Available to purchase from the shop or made to order (see commissions for details and get in touch)
‘Giant Moth’
100% wool yarn on cotton monk’s cloth, 130x70cm, reversible
In many cultures moths are a symbol of transformation and rebirth. They are believed to be a reminder to stay connected to your inner self and trust your intuition.
I have been working with punch needle rug hooking techniques for a while now and I find this medium very versatile which allows me to explore not only various materials but also be more experimental with form and texture. This ‘rug’ is double sided (loops on one side that resembles the traditional rug and smooth surface on the reverse that has a more defined pattern appearance). It can be used on the floor as a regular rug, as it’s very durable (made with 100% rug wool) or displayed on the wall, or any other surface.
Available to purchase from the shop or made to order (see commissions for details and get in touch) . Explore a collection of smaller months in my shop
A reminder why being by the sea feels just right.