Since leaving college in 1984 with a BSc honours degree in biology I have trained and worked in Medical Research as a Clinical Scientist. My spare time has always been filled with a wide range of creative pursuits including painting, sewing, knitting, crochet and embroidery.
In 2000 I was encouraged to submit several of my paintings to an exhibition in Hampstead. I was overwhelmed when three of my works were ‘highly commended’ by a panel of Artists, and more than half of my pieces sold!
In 2002 becoming increasingly despondent with my working environment in Scientific Research (sadly not uncommon) I took a job as a biology technician in a school, freeing up time to further pursue my creative skills, and to set up in business as a Textile Artist.
In 2003 I received the prize for Best Local Image at the annual Harpenden Arts Club exhibition. It was wonderful to have such public support for my work. This was the final encouragement I needed to become a full-time Textile Artist. Since then I have not looked back.
I am now trading as Heatherwell Designs. In addition to art works I now use my creative and sewing skills to produce a wide range of textile items including soft furnishings, wearable art and jewellery. I am also taking a correspondence course and studying for my City & Guilds in Creative Studies (Embroidery) with the Opus School of Textile Art. It has been a vast learning curve – with lots of financial difficulty – but I'm loving it!
Art Works: I use a wide range of techniques in my artwork including watercolour, mixed media, collage and textiles.
Hand Painted and Dyed Textile Items: Cushions, silk ties, scarves and bags, including devore and batik items.
Embroidered and Beaded Textile Items: Cushions, evening shawls, bags, and greetings cards including personalised embroidered keepsakes for weddings.
Beaded Jewellery: Using semi-precious stones, quality glass, crystal and ceramic beads including hand-made and antique beads. I am currently working on a new range of jewellery incorporating textiles created by machine embroidery.
Society and Guild Memberships:
The Society for All Artists (SAA)
Harpenden Arts Club
The Embroiderers’ Guild
The Guild of Silk Painters
Beadworkers Guild
Computer Textile Design Group
Herts Visual Arts Forum (HVAF)
A lot of my work is to commission including jewellery pieces for a special occassion or personalised gifts for special events such a the arrival of a new baby, or a wedding. I also take part in regular exhibitions and art & craft fairs in and around Hertfordshire. Recently I have set up an internet shop and a shop on E-Bay where I will soon be displaying a wide variety of my work for purchase. I am frantically getting pictures etc. ready at the moment!
Thanks for looking. Best wishes, Anne.
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