Barbara works primarily with Australian Merino wool and fine silks. Creating a surface design and depth of colour and texture through the wet felting process. The cloth created is transformed through the propensity of wool to shrink , causing a manipulation of the silk. A magical process achieved with only water and soap. It demands that she engages intimately with the qualities in these natural fibres.
The addition of stitch, layering in the tradition of quilt making offers another dimension.
Textiles can soften and enhance our living environment.
Wool is a superior fibre; natural, renewable, biodegradable, flame-resistant and hygroscopic, so the perfect base layer to wear.
Barbara's Art Cloth is delightfully light and soft, appears delicate, but is strong and resilient.
Barbara settled in Geographe Bay in 2019. Time to Wander out Yonder to explore the Wheatbelt, Kalbarri and Shark Bay have inspired new colours and the desire to explore, investigate, experiment.
Salt Lakes are a recent subject for 2023.
Barbara has been working with Textiles over five decades, teaching and exhibiting in the UK and Internationally. Contemporary Quilt making has been a major focus; the diverse methods of colouring cloth a continuing passion.
Barbara is a member of the OZQuilt Network, WAFTA, Bunbury Felting Group, the IFA and an Honarary life member of the Quilters Guild of the British Isles.
Her Quilt, Pomegranate was selected for the Busselton Art Award in 2021.
Currently, her Quilt, Kalbarri, is touring with the OZQuilt Network Australia Wide 8, Kalbarri 2 is touring with the WAQA Stitched and Bound and her Quilt Wander out Yonder is touring the UK.