MY STORY

 
 

Welcome!

Biography :

I was born in London in 1995, I spent my early childhood in the ancient landscape of Kent moving to Canterbury (New Zealand) in 2004. I have strong memories and connections to these landscapes that formed me.

Throughout my life I have been passionate about the art of making. My first memories of making were with a paintbrush and then later with my portrait artist Grandmother Rosemary sewing. These interests were cultivated during my school years and then further developed through a Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Textiles at Massey Universities Wellington campus. Here I used hand based processes to produce crafted tactile materials, many with geographical resonance. 

My work seeks to amplify mindfulness of our interplay with the natural environment and embodies a conscious awareness of the impact humankind has had, and is having on the landscapes we live within. Blurring the lines between art and wearable textiles, my work creates a dialogue between us and our physical / metaphysical environment, embodied in pattern and form.

In the last five years I have cultivated a passion for teaching. It started with a challenge to myself to help build my confidence & for articulating processes to better understand them. I have found that in learning resourceful skills, it makes a world of sense to share what I have learnt with those around me. It is the greatest joy to share in those “ah ha” & “I made this!” moments. And It is very important to continue these ancient craft traditions in a world that pushes to erase them.

PHILOSOPHY:

VISION

To consciously create with ties to place and people.

PURPOSE

To foster a change in cultural attitudes by amplifying mindfulness of our interplay with the natural environment.

core values

My craft aims for quality I believe slow creation is important in a world that moves at such a great pace. It encourages play, testing new ideas and techniques is a way for continuous learning. And it stands to be bold, giving a voice to things that need one.

I not only want to create quality artisan pieces, but to educate by sharing knowledge and skills. I want to inspire people to slow down! And I want to use my practice as an offering to continue that conversation; well made, enduring pieces with an emphasis on story telling, resourcefulness and care. 

Qualifications :

  • Diploma in Small Business and Project Management (2021). Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Christchurch, New Zealand

  • Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Textile Design (2017). Massey University, Wellington

Professional development :

  • WACA Foundations Business Mentorship (2026). Socially Sands (social media strategist), Online

  • Lost Wax Casting - with Lily Wenmoth (2024). Workspace Studios, Christchurch

  • Lost Wax Casting - with Joel Alcorn (2024). Workspace Studios, Christchurch

  • Silversmithing Level 1 - Brooches (2023). Silversmiths’ Guild of Canterbury

  • Silversmithing level 2 - Chain-making (2023). Workspace Studios, Christchurch

  • Silversmithing level 1 - Bezels (2023). Workspace Studios, Christchurch

  • Rekindle Craftsperson Residency - Workshop Teaching Development (2021). Rekindle (now known as Resourceful Craft), Christchurch

  • Rekindle Workroom & Shop Volunteer (2021). (now known as Resourceful Craft), Christchurch

Exhibitions & Events :

Workshops for Selwyn District Libraries (2024). I presented three classes across Selwyn District for Darfield, Rolleston & Leeston Libraries. We spent time together mending our own clothes & telling stories. I presented ways that we can use everyday food waste from our kitchens to dye our clothes and the natural fibers around us.

Friends Inner City Exploration (2020). The ‘Friends’ of the Christchurch Art Gallery held a progressive tour of a select group of very different inner-city properties, including the studios of two prominent Ōtautahi artists; Philip Trusttum and Julia Morison. The last location, a beautiful refurbished Victorian villa and garden, with a selection of exclusive artisanal works available for purchase. I was delighted to be one of those artists.

Textiles and Pottery & Print (2020), was an exhibition held at a private residence in the heart of central Christchurch with works for sale from Bella and Potter Judy Kirkpatrick. My work showcased a yarn based coiling technique developed into jewellery, and framed pieces, alongside pastel coloured woodcut prints.

Isolation Creations (2020). The exhibition contained 50+ works in a celebration of how creativity manifests during challenging times, showcasing the collective experience that we have all been undergoing. The opening, June 12th at XCHC Exchange Christchurch.

Pechakucha (2020). 20th February was International PechaKucha Day! On this day in over 1,200 cities all across the world, PechaKucha speakers alike shared their creative stories, stories which have shaped their personal lives. In Vol.41 an eclectic collection of talks from speakers across our community in Otautahi Christchurch were shared, Mine was one of them.

Friends House Tour (2019). The ‘Friends’ of the Christchurch Art Gallery held a progressive house tour, offering an insight into three private art collections. The owners of three homes generously opened their doors, each venue offering a different insight into personal art collections and the role they play in transforming a house into a home. At each residence, a selection of exclusive artisanal works were available for purchase. I was delighted to be one of those artists.

Textiles and Pottery (2019). The 7th December 2019 marked the second year for exhibition ‘Textiles and Pottery’. An exhibition held at a private residence in central Christchurch, showcasing works for sale from Bella and returning Potter, Judy Kirkpatrick. Bella’s work showcased a yarn based coiling technique developed into jewellery and framed artwork, which used natural materials including wool, cotton, linen and glass. Handprinted woodcut prints, in a variety of hand applied earthy tones and hand-stitched embellishments. Woven sample of latest patterns and colour play.

Textiles and Pottery (2018), was an exhibition held at a private residence in the heart of central Christchurch with works for sale from Bella and Potter Judy Kirkpatrick. Bella’s work showcased a yarn based coiling technique developed into jewellery, bowls and framed artwork.

Exposure (2017), proudly showcased the work of emerging young artists and designers such as Bella from Wellington’s Massey University, as they celebrated their achievements before they embarked on the next step in their creative journey. Bella’s work featured in the exhibitions magazine. 

The Craft Collective (2017), Wellington. A collaboration between textile designers, a photographer and spatial designer. The exhibition explored their individual skills creating an inviting and educational exhibition that showcased the processes of textile design through film and physical works.