I can well remember presenting the first rather complicated design and noting the concern on the faces around me. After a few teething problems these concerns where overcome and in the last two years we have all learnt to work together stretching each other’s skills and abilities. This has only been possible because I had good technical weaving skills and the weavers had a flexible approach. Because of this working relationship I have been able to introduced new weaving techniques and design ideas. Now carpets can be woven in different length piles, have flat woven areas against knotted areas, and the cut sculpting which was only used in finishing is now used as a decorative devise.

First cut of the pile

Close up of first cut

Preparing a carpet for sculpting

Sculpting shapes in the pile

I have watched the finished cutting with fascination, it takes such skill. In learning more about this, I began to think of ways to use these skills to enhance the designs. So began development of cutting into plain grounds. When I first asked that this be tried, people thought I had flipped, but on seeing the results we achieved, they realised the potential.

The company has been incredibly supportive and willing to try anything I have asked. Our latest development is to introduce Hemp yarn into some pieces. This allows for greater textural interest to be introduced as well as giving different surface and colour effects.

At the start all my designs were inspired by Aboriginal Art, based on my experiences from many visits to Australia. Over the last two years and many visits to Nepal the design inspiration has changed. Through trekking in the Nepalese Himalayas I have become interested in the Nepalese landscape, and the latest work in the exhibition is inspired totally by this.

I am now working from drawings and photographs taken on my treks into the Himalayas and around the Kathmandu valley. Of late some of the design ideas have begun to be paired down and are becoming more minimal and in some cases I have worked directly onto the graph paper. This is a new development and once again the design work is taking on a different feel and look. The new work will be seen in the current exhibition for the first time. In this new design work the end should be seen as the beginning!