Dyed and Devoré silk viscose satin fabric.
Closer view

Sometimes I think I am stuck in this strange orbit with family, work, shopping, tonight's evening meal, next year's holidays, the washing, and the cat spread at different points, each needing love, attention and (oh yes) time...

In the uncanny way that life sometimes imitates art, my art imitates my life. Spread at opposing sides of my art 'galaxy' is my love for printed and dyed textiles, (get those rubber gloves on, just see that colour and texture), and yet, what's that spinning over there? Paper surfaces, collages, embellished, papers dyed, cut torn crimped (excuse me while I dribble), and yet what's that glow on the horizon? Iridescences, glitter, metallics, textures, excuse me while I go and lie down...

Dyed and manipulated cotton organdie - prototype for
Material Works Off The Wall Exhibition, at Museum of Enginuity, Ironbridge.
Closer view

Whilst I attempt to touch many points in my art 'galaxy', I realise my passion is with the use of colour and the exploration of the interaction of colour and texture. This passion takes many forms and allows me to work both figuratively, in abstract and on a wide range of surfaces, using an ever expanding range of techniques.

And of course it is not sufficient to have passion on its own. A love kept in a box will soon die. A knowledge aired and shared somehow grows and takes on fresh life. My passion for colour, texture and design has led into commissions, writing, lecturing, demonstrating and teaching at home and abroad. Through the communicating of ideas, techniques and the use of different materials I do believe I can help to empower people to find their own personal art 'galaxy' - it sure beats taking the cat to the vets.

Ruth Issett