PatchWork

I have always been fascinated by the power of colour.
I believe it has the capacity to bring balance and beauty to all environments. 

My introduction to the world of art and Contemporary Patchwork began in the family home where I used to live with my mother and grandmother in Northcote of Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand. I remember being fascinated watching the play of light shining through the fabrics that used to hang in front of the window of the girls’ room.  It was a beautiful sacred space.  I compare this same space feeling to being in a church with stained glass windows or coloured glass.  Little did I know that this artistic expression was a far leap from what people traditional know as Patchwork and that I was experiencing something truly special.

Throughout my childhood and young adult life, I had the privilege of being close to my Aunty Rose McLeod, A Great NZ Contemporary Textile Artist. At the age of 13 she taught me how to sew and helped me to create my first Patchwork piece.  During my teenage years I would make trips to the bottom end of Waiheke Island to visit my Aunty Roses.  Entering her home studio and garden was like stepping into another world.  She was a master of creating space.  It was there with her that I received a rich education in Art History with Matisse, Picasso, Chagall, Monet, Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keffee; the Art of Cooking; the importance of Beauty; Gardening; Spirituality and the Great Mystery of Nature.  It was also thanks to her that I was introduced to Gypsy World Music and Jazz, which had a huge impact on me as a Singer, Musician, Composer and Artist.

 Over the last 30 years, I have always found joy, peace and solace in the process of making Patchwork.  
To Sew and Sing Coser y Cantar has always helped me to connect to Te Wairua Tapu, Great Spirit
Which never fails to nourish, strengthen and inspire me. 

Haumi e, hui e, taiki e!