Artist Statement

Cognissart – Fine art in stitch
Living in the heart of the Peak District National Park, I am inspired by the landscapes surrounding me. Whilst the natural beauty of the area may be obvious to many, I am also influenced by the impact of humanity and my images often draw on architectural, industrial and agricultural features.
My fine art works are hand stitched, predominantly using locally sourced, hand dyed wool. Using a free hand technique I “paint with thread and yarn”. Whilst walking the paths and trails of the Peak District I see, hear, smell and feel everything which make the area so unique; communicating my experience through the colour, texture and imagery of my work.
I have recently expanded my creative practice to included mixed media works using gel print and intense on fabric – all embellished with stitch. I have also embraced more abstract themes and will be exhibiting a number of new works.
As an active member of Peak District Artisans I have participated in the PDA pop-up gallery in Haddon Hall’s Gatehouse for the past 3 year. Haddon Hall has been a great source of inspiration to me and a number of my new works feature the Hall’s architecture including its famous Bombee leaded windows.
In a change from my usual home venue for Derbyshire Open Arts, this year I am exhibiting at a group venue for the first time. I will be joined in Haddon’s Gatehouse Gallery by four other PDA members: ceramicist Vivienne Sillar, lino print artist Lottie Adams and painters Roger Allen & Sarah Joseph.
I regularly exhibit my work locally and nationally and have been featured on Instagram by Tate Britain. I am a member of The Society for Embroidered Work, with whom I have exhibited internationally.