I create with the debris left behind in the streets.

When I travel or just go walking, I discovered the physical “act” of gleaning (collecting) a creative process in itself, therefore, just as, important as the resulting idea or piece I may be working on.

When I used to go overseas, I usually had to buy another case, or send home boxes of stuff through the post back to Australia. Things I find in the streets, are free, or for little cost at markets, op shops etc. I sometimes, call myself the nomad artist as I like the challenge of creating with whatever stuff is around and rarely, take art materials with me. 

Last time, when I was in London I found a few little bits along the Thames river. In the large mixed media textile pieces I am creating for the hotel, I have included some finds, I have collected over time.

A small collection of clay pipe stems from 17th century, rusty wire fence droppers from outback Australia,  decorative metal bits from Paris markets and some 1800s metal detector finds from the goldfields in Maryborough Victoria. The textiles I’m working with are from 1800’s and they are from the USA.

I find as much interest looking on the ground for stuff as a tourist sees in the classic art and architecture.