Sources of inspiration...

This is a real treasure - "Silken threads. A history of embroidery in China,Korea,Japan,and Vietnam." by Young Yang Chung (Harry Abrams, New York, 2005). I found the images of the robes featured in this reference to be particularly valuable.

Sources of inspiration...

I love finding reference books on fibre arts. I hope that you enjoy these books, too! Here is a recent book that I included in my personal 'must-read'list- Susanne Kuchler and Graeme Were "Pacific pattern." (Thames and Hudson, London, 2005). This book features wonderful photographs, and provides a wealth of information about South Pacific fibre and fabric works. I found the sections on weaving patterns and fabric patterns to be particularly valuable.

Developing positives and negatives...

In addition to the use of families or shape, I frequently consider positive shapes and negative spaces when I develop fibre compositions.

Developing shapes...

I still use the concept of 'families of shape', or related shapes that fit together, as a means to develop shapes for fibre compostions.

Three dimensional fibre forms...

Janet Edmonds' book Beginners' guide to embroidered boxes (Search Press, Tunbridge Wells, 2002) provides guides to the creation of three dimensional vessels as well as books that could be stored in these containers. This provides pathways to presentation techniques for artists' books. Edmonds combines machine embroidery, hand embroidery, applique and quilting techniques.

Three dimensional fibre forms...

I have recently begun to expand my own professional of texts related to three dimensional fibre forms related to embroidery techniques. I was initially interested in three dimensional embroidered forms through an interest in stumpwork and fabric dollmaking, but interest in 'three dimensional embroidery' has expanded in recent years. Janet Edmonds has produced a number of texts - I really enjoyed her Three-dimensional embroidery. Methods of construction for the third dimension. (Batsford, London, 2005).

Preparation techniques...

Preparation…drawing, printing and collage...

I use a range of media and supports when I develop visual compositions for fibre works. Drawings developed through the use of aquarelles or watercolour pencils and felt pens on different types of paper are still incredibly useful, but I have also used monoprint techniques, and I produce collages based on the use of existing photographs and sketches, and even scraps of fabric.