ABOUT US

About me

As a child, I was artistically inclined and learned sewing at a young age from my mother, who was an art teacher. I remember sewing dolls from my mother's old tights, and my passion for art only grew stronger as I pursued it through university. While studying for a degree in fashion design, I realized that my designs were too theatrical for the fashion industry, but my love for sewing persisted.

A few years later, I pursued a City & Guilds Diploma in Fashion and a City & Guilds in Creative Techniques. This experience led me to an internship working on costumes for the Return of Colmcille parade in Derry in 2013. I subsequently found employment within the textiles industry, and even as I worked, I continued to share my knowledge through teaching workshops for the Workers Educational Association, Sew North quilting festival, and the Malin Head Community Centre. I have also given talks to the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild and the Northern Ireland Embroidery Guild, and my textiles have been featured in various exhibitions throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Like many people, I was affected by the Covid pandemic and was made redundant. However, I saw this as an opportunity to pursue my passion for sharing the joy of sewing and art with others. Having lost my only brother in 2014, I am particularly interested in using art as a means of healing and self-care through creativity. As such, my main vision for Ornate Art is to promote sustainable textiles and to inspire others to use art as a tool for healing and self-expression. I believe that art has the power to transform lives, and I am committed to spreading this message through my work.