In recent years, I have been pursuing a long-term project, entitled “The Witchcraft Series”. Through it I am seeking to explore the power that the idea of “the witch” holds in our culture, both as metaphor for our fears, and as representation of social injustice towards women. The "witch-hunt" is an idea that persists, both in accounts of historic witch-trials, and modern scandals and investigations.
I use historical texts and original illustrations, along with contemporary scientific and cultural references, to depict the stories of individual women, or to comment on ways we try to exert control over our world and our own lives.
The medium I deploy is a textile art form, knotted tapestry; a hybrid of Gobelins woven tapestry, and double half-hitch knotting. The materials I use are cotton, linen and synthetic yarns.
Overall, my work is concerned with breaking out of the convention which associates textiles and woven tapestry with a sense of cosiness and comfort. I sometimes include elements of irony, and even humour. My intention is to present an object which is visually arresting, and hopefully, thought-provoking.