The Space Between

I am always drawn to lacelike structures and shapes: delicate fibres stretched across space to create patterns where the gaps are as important as the solid, creating a feeling of fragility even if the structure is quite strong. Whether it is skeleton leaves and petals, the interlacing of leaves and winding stems and the shadows they cast, or the patterns of foamy waves breaking on the shore to create frothy, lace borders, I find myself returning to these qualities repeatedly in my work. 

I developed the technique of stitching paper and then deconstructing it while I was working for my Degree, and it has been a process I have continued to use. The Paper Lace Gardens shown on the right were part of an exhibition at National Trust property Killerton House in 2014, inspired by their gardens. The paper pieces can also be worn or made into three dimensional structures. Also shown are bowls and headpieces made of coloured cotton scrim, which is another material I repeatedly turn to for its lacy qualities.