Jane Brooks

Current influences for my artwork are found in landscapes where signs of ancient cultures can still be seen. I also like to draw in coastal areas, this inspiration is often combined with awareness of the position and phases of the moon and the night sky.  Experimental inspiration often comes from discovering interesting, up-cycled threads or fabrics.
 
There are four strands which inform my art. Recently this has been hand stitching, in particular the delightful intrigue of stitching in the Slow Stitch ethos. I trained as a printmaker, and still continue to print, but now onto fabric. I also find that there are certain texts which stimulate creative work. All of the above happens as part of my environmental concerns, because of this I use recycled and pre-owned fabric and threads.  
 
At the moment I’m creating abstract collage. The collages are constructed from my hand printed or painted textiles. They are joined with hand stitch for mark making, plus meditative hand sewing.  
 
Wherever possible I like to stitch out of doors, I relish being a part of the natural world while I work.  

Northern Lights - Printed Fabric Collage and Handstitch

Printed fabric and stitch Work in Progress

Block Ship detail of WIP