1. My design practice is driven by the use of narrative. I have always been fascinated by people’s personal stories and how these enrich our understanding of individuals and the wider world. My work explores the concept of autotopography – the ‘mapping of self’ by creating a spatial biography through the objects we surround ourselves with and environments we inhabit. Examining the emotional and physical characteristics of objects and places that carry stories, allows me to consider how to reconstruct this information as textile design.

Using dead stock, remnants, vintage blankets and rejected clothing I create fabric collage that can be used for interior applications such as upholstery and wall display. Textiles are embellished through machine and digital embroidery. Depth and shadows are created through heat embossing, reverse applique and trapunto. I use a combination of techniques to explore the hidden qualities of the fabrics and allow the materials to have agency in the creative process

My concept offers a way to resolve conflicting emotions of dealing with disposal of a family members belongings, by providing a method to record and express the ‘significance’ of ordinary objects and place in their personal landscape. These pieces offer a tangible, functional item while addressing ethical questions around inheritance, disposal, and the emotional value we attach to objects.