In touch with my Muses

I consider myself very lucky to have a small atelier surrounded by bush and birds in the middle of the beautiful Bay of Islands, New Zealand.
As long as I can remember, my inspirations have freely come to my mind, from the moment
I could hold a brush or a bit of yarn I played with them, experimented and created.
I enjoy learning and over the years many teachers have contributed to my collection of techniques and respect for materials.

The process

I can store my projects in my head or by scribbling short sketches, followed by adjusting scales and measurements, reflecting on materials and colors – before the magic comes alive by touching, weaving, stitching, cutting and assembling.

The graphic coordination of a picture is very important to my designs in order to find a certain restfulness, a final destination of the thought process.

I use many recycled resources, for example by unwinding old copper coils from motors or by interweaving plastic bags, but I also base my work on the solid tradition of weaving to create long lasting tactile pieces of work.

My Inspirations

Important to me are the elements of air, water, fire, earth, metal, wood with all their individual characteristics.

Sailing over the Ocean has played a big role bringing me half way around the world and giving me the opportunity to find a new life in Aotearoa in the early 1980ies.

Travelling and learning many different languages open my heart to understand other cultures and their history.

My Tai Chi practice is keeping me strong, centered and balanced. The study of Chinese characters also teaches me directions and attention to detail.

Landscaping jobs keep me in touch with the life of plants and give me a chance to care for our planet.

My family with many grandchildren and friends give me a sense of belonging and often make me laugh when things are tough.

About me

Currently working from home studio

Study of Tai Chi/ Qi Gong

Study of Mandarin

Landscape manager, sustainable gardener

1984 NZ Residency

1980 Sailing from UK to NZ on 36 foot Bermudan Cutter

1955 Born in Biel-Bienne in region of Seeland in Switzerland

Qualifications:

Certificate in Adult Teaching and Learning at Whangarei Polytech

Certificate in History and philosophy of Herbal Medicine

Certificate in Mauri Ora and level 1-4 in Te Reo Maori with Wananga o Aotearoa

Various courses in Shiibori, Blue Printing, Harakeke weaving, Drawing

Certificate in adult learning and teaching

Diploma in Weaving and Textile construction in Berne

Swiss Qualifications for Ocean Navigation

Mime training with Etienne Decroux, Paris

Shows

2021         Exhibition fundraiser for Parish Hall Russell

2015         Pompallier Attic Russell: washing time line in collaboration with Helen Pick

2019         Winner of Resilient Russell wearable ArtDuke of Malborough Russell

2006         Russell environmental expo, soloshow with poetry by Tim Grant

2004         Exhibition of work in Waitangi, Masterton

Russell Fire exhibition for Matariki

Wellington Academy of fine Arts Yardage first prize

2003-4      Russell Townhall Summer Art Show curated by Clive Arlidge

2003         Exhibition of work in Whangarei, Waiheke Island, Waitakere, Pukekohe  1^st Prize for Miss Peace

2002         Rotorua Museum Focus on Fibre

2000         Wellington National Art Gallery waka huia prize for most innovative use of NZ materials and design

2000         Liverpool severn leisure gallery

1999         Auckland Devonport Art Depot Fibre Fictions with potter Lis Kenel

1999         Russell Fringe Festival prize for cloak made from wheat grass

1994         Auckland Soloshow Compendium Gallery from threads to horizons

1994         Whangarei guest exhibitor Northland Fibre Exhibition Forum North

1994         Christchurch groupshow with Helen Pick and Peter Cumming

1993         Berne, Switzerland Art and Craft show by invitation

1990-2011  yearly exhibitions at Entrance Gallery Russell

1993         Auckland Easter Show winner of Textile Award chosen by Malcolm Harrison

1992         Kerikeri winner of spinning and weaving award

1990         Auckland Museum focus on fibre prize for innovative design

1990         Auckland Gallery on One  Reflexions Solo show mixed fibres

1980        Old town Biel Switzerland  Wellenphantsien Solo Show, transparent work in Linen

1965        Switzerland art exhibition winner with fibre collage aged 10