Artist Statement
Everything in the universe is full of mystery, beauty and fragility. Art allows me to be in-touch with that mystery and bring forth some of its beauty, fragility and its light.
Previously trained as a painter, my innate understanding of fabric, colours, and textures allows me use fabric in a painterly manner. I mostly working in silk for its sheen, malleability, tactility and sensuality.
I am inspired by my personal experience and by the prevailing social milieu. For example, for five years I worked in mostly black and white in response to the polarization I saw in our society. I work intuitively, combining the old and new; allowing the fabrics to play with each other.
I create works in series. My first series, The Long Road Home, reflected my respect for traditional quilts while adding my twist to old patterns. Unique and colourful, they reflect Indian and Canadian aspects of my personality.
For the next two series, I limited my pallet to black, white, and some red. The works move from the personal to impersonal and isolated spaces. The use of organza and tulle adds an additional dimension to these works.
Silk Diaries began in September 1999 when a friend invited me make a piece every day for a year. These pieces reflect my changing mood over the course of the year. This challenge forced me to produce smaller pieces….a big challenge for me.
Please see my resume for additional information.