I am a fibre artist, photographer, gourmet cook, edge dancer and poet living in
Devon, England. I have been a creative person all of my life. For me, Life and Art are inseparable. My life is my work of art. Each moment of every day I have the opportunity to create.
I am originally from Southern California and moved to the UK from Pasadena about ten years ago. I live in a converted cider barn in the Teign Valley with John and Titch, surrounded by bucolic English countryside.
My main media are photography, textiles, words and food. I also work with paper and am exploring surface design and video.
An interview of me and my fibre art with Bonnie McCaffery

Artist’s Statement
I have been an artist all of my life and have been working with fibre since 1997. I love the color and tactile sensuality of fibres and textiles. The process of gathering and stitching together various materials is a metaphor for gathering and piecing together my life experiences.
I am deeply moved by the worlds around me and inside of me.
My art making comes from a very deep and still place. The art work is successful if another person has been able to see and experience what is beneath the surface, hidden but visible to those who take the time to look and really see.
The primary inspirations for my art work are nature, architecture and urban structures. I begin with an experience, feeling, vision or words that inspire me. I often have a general idea about the color palette, size, materials and structure (2D or 3D) of the piece. During the making of my design, I keep the process fluid enough to respond to how the art work itself will develop. Often the finished piece will have evolved from my initial vision.


7 comments
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November 6, 2006 at 3:23 am
Anthony
Hey
That’s good that you are defining yourself as an artist and poet.
You are.
Have been since I met you, and long before that. Birth,probably.
So when you get down or feel confused, just remember who you are and act accordingly.
May 8, 2007 at 12:50 pm
Gizella
Wonderful to see that your creative journey is bearing inspired fruit. When I met you at the textile Symposium at the NEC last year, you were still contemplating various avenues. My own exploration continues on its way with all its meanderings….some diversions, some soulsearching, some rays of light.
I hope that your Art Money trip is a success. Perhaps we could meet up for a coffee at the Quilt Show in the summer? Stay in touch….Kate
May 24, 2007 at 4:01 pm
Entropy
Hello! Stumbled upon your brilliant blog/photography. To further connect Blake’s vision of art-
“He held that the way to truth and higher consciousness was through the contemplation of art. He proposed that by immersing oneself in art, a person could experience it not just an aesthetic but more akin to the meditative exercise a mystic performs in preparation for achieving a higher state of spiritual enlightenment.
Prayer is the study of Art.
Praise is the practice of Art.
March 4, 2008 at 7:17 am
Daily Guy From Hell
Stumbled upon your blog a week ago and decided to come back. Not for the articles you write, but for how you write them, really amazing stuff you’re doing here, i like how you put information into the articles which makes it much more easier to read and much more interesting of course. Keep up the good work!
March 4, 2008 at 7:27 am
Therese May
Dear Melinda,
I just finished watching the video of you being interviewed by Bonnie McAffery. Thank you for sharing your inspirational work and philosophy! I really like the “Art Money”! Blessings to you, Therese May
April 18, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Hilly B Stevens
Hi Melinda, I enjoy evey thing that you send to me and all the articles you write ; such even to the recipes that I have tried. I also share them with my friend next door and lives in Lancaster, Pa. Who is also an retired art teacher. She really enjoys your accomplisment also. Love Hilly
May 30, 2008 at 8:56 pm
Cate
Hi Melinda,
Please contact me regarding the possibility of showing your studio in an art magazine.
Sincerely,
Cate Prato/Cloth Paper Scissors