A Selection of Recent Works

Metamorphosis

Woven tapestry with exposed warps; unbleached linen warp; linen weft -unbleached and half-bleached, dyed and undyed; beeswax; frame dimensions w.24.0cm x h.24.0cm x d.2.5cm

A primary inspiration for Exposed Warp Series(Metamorphosis, Tidal #1-#3 and Unravelling) was a collection of patterned Coptic textiles in a partially degraded state.  The complete loss of some dyed wool weft threads within the woven structures revealed well-defined sections of bare warps.  These exposed areas echoed the shapes of the lost wool elements, thus preserving a thumbprint of the original design overall. 

Kate has incorporated this striking visual effect into Exposed Warp Series.  The weft-faced weaving is purposely interrupted by defined areas of bare warps to exaggerate the multi-directional rhythm and movement within the woven structure.  Texture and play of light on the contrasting surfaces is enhanced by the partial unravelling and combing out of each plied warp thread.  Discreet fabric-covered mounts enabled tension manipulation of each part-woven structure and provide added depth from the shadows cast within the glazed box frames.

Tidal #1

Woven tapestry with exposed warps; unbleached linen warp; linen weft -unbleached and half-bleached, dyed and undyed; some couched warps; beeswax; frame dimensions w.20.7cm x h.46.1cm x d.2.5cm

Tidal #2

Woven tapestry with exposed warps; unbleached linen warp; linen weft -unbleached and half-bleached, dyed and undyed; some couched warps; beeswax; frame dimensions w.20.7cm x h.46.1cm x d.2.5cm

Tidal #3

Woven tapestry with exposed warps; unbleached linen warp; linen weft -unbleached and half-bleached, dyed and undyed; some couched warps; beeswax; frame dimensions w.20.7cm x h.46.1cm x d.2.5cm

Unravelling

Woven tapestry; unbleached linen warp; unbleached, dyed and undyed linen weft; beeswax; frame dimensions w.45.5cm x h.45.5cm x d.2.5cm

The subject matter of Unravelling expresses the impact of natural and human activities upon climate change and planet earth.

Archways

Woven tapestry; unbleached linen warp; unbleached, dyed and undyed linen weft; graphite; beeswax; frame dimensions w.24.0cm x h.24.0cm x d.2.5cm

The primary inspiration for Archways was the dramatically lit crypt at Winchester Cathedral.  The linear qualities of the archways and stonework structures lent themselves to tapestry weaving techniques.  Furthermore, the numerous and varying subtle colour tones within individual dressed stones and the shadows cast upon them provided a favourably challenging opportunity for interpretation, in the blending of dyed weft threads. 

As demonstrated in this small-scale finely woven panel, Kate chooses to weave with single weft threads of fine linen.  She hand-dyes the threads using techniques that prevent even uptake of dye within very short lengths of thread.  These processes are time consuming but enable subtle merging of varying tones in a single weft thread. 

Stonescape 1

Woven tapestry; unbleached linen warp; unbleached and half-bleached linen weft; graphite; beeswax; frame dimensions w.24.0cm x h.24.0cm x d.2.5cm

The inspiration for Stonescape l was threefold – a group of geometric charcoal studies on paper by Georgia O’Keefe, the iconic sarsen and blue stone monoliths at Stonehenge, and limestone quarry caves on the Jurassic coast. 

Stonescape l forms part of Kate’s series of works which incorporate the use of graphite-wiped linen threads.  The series is a result of experimental work applying graphite powder and beeswax to lengths of warp threads prior to weaving.  The main aim of the project was to introduce the characteristic qualities of pencil and charcoal drawings into her woven works.

To intensify the directional qualities of the warp-faced weave, Kate often allows her designs to determine their positioning in relation to the warp.  For example, the warp orientation of Stonescape l, when finished and mounted, is presented forty-five degrees from the horizontal axis.   

In Shadow V

Woven tapestry; unbleached linen warp; dyed linen weft; beeswax; frame dimensions w.24.50 cm x h. 12.70 cm; unframed w.11.20 cm x 12.70 cm

Disconnects I & II

Woven tapestries in frames; unbleached linen warp; dyed and undyed linen weft; graphite; beeswax; frame dimensions w.27 cm x h.27 cm. 2018.

Disconnects I and II were woven during the last year of Kate’s mother’s life. They are a visual representation of the gradual disconnection of pathways in her mother’s brain as she battled with vascular dementia. In Disconnects I, the wavy lines and solid squares represent the strong links connecting significant life memories; in Disconnects II, the floating squares symbolise rare moments of lucidity.

Bluescape #1, #2, #3

Three woven tapestries mounted and framed individually; unbleached linen warp; dyed linen weft; beeswax; dimensions unframed 6.5 cm x 6.5 cm, framed 16.5 cm x 16.5 cm. 2022.

Source inspirations for Bluescape #1, #2, #3 are various and include Ben Nicholson drawings, handmade tiles and open landscapes. The purpose of positioning each square design at right angles to the warp direction is twofold - to enable warp orientation of the finished pieces to be presented on the bias, and to enable fine lines of eccentric weft to appear in near-vertical positions.

May Picture

Woven tapestry in frame; unbleached linen warp; dyed (bleached and unbleached) linen weft; beeswax; unframed dimensions w.14 cm x h.13 cm. 2021.

This woven panel is one of Kate’s dye recipe reference pieces.  The design is based on Paul Klee’s May Picture c 1925; from his ‘Magic Square’ series (collection of Metropolitan Museum of Art).

The dye recipe reference chart is attached to the back of the frame. All recipe record sheets are kept on file for future reference and reproducibility.