First and foremost a hand stitcher, it feels natural, but never commonplace, to have needle and thread in my hand. The rhythm of the stitch - the gesture - is a very important aspect in the making of my work. I would describe the stitching as an intensely physical activity, the actual process being as important as the finished work.

I like to work with a few simple stitches - making marks which relate readily to drawing. For the last four years I have been exploring the potential of whip stitch and am fascinated by the surface tension and movement it can create.

Currently the content of my work is derived from studying the landscape of the American SW where I have travelled extensively. The land, shaped by natural elements, is also affected by generations of people who lived, worked and left their marks upon it. I make reference to both the early inhabitants and the physical features of the land. The use of stitched lettering in some work, where relevant words are repeated to make a complete surface composed of text, has become important in recent pieces. After stitching, work is treated with clay slip, paint and sandpaper.

Teaching

I have been a teacher all my working life, in schools, as a college lecturer and now, since taking early retirement from full time education, on a free-lance basis in the UK and abroad.

I enjoy working creatively with a variety of groups and individuals, I view stitched textiles as an expressive medium and derive great pleasure and satisfaction in helping others to enjoy using fabric and thread adventurously and in encouraging them to gain the confidence to develop their own ideas and a personal working style.

The Embroiderers' Guild

As the immediate past national Chairman of the Embroiderers' Guild, I regard serving the Guild and helping to promote the subject of embroidery to Members and to wider audiences as a great privilege.

Jean Draper