Glittering Places 1 A desert landscape using printed and painted calico with seeding stitches. Closer view

Practice makes Perfect A page in a contemporary sample book celebrating continuing textile traditions. Closer view

Personal Statement

For many years the people, culture and landscape of Southern Africa have fired my imagination and inspired my work. I enjoy combining hand stitching with fabric, paper and mixed media to record ideas about the people and places I have visited.

I continue to study and travel regularly to some more remote regions of Namibia, Tanzania and South Africa. These are opportunities to learn more about the people, their way of life, skills and culture. Their decorative and textile traditions, imaginative and resourceful use of materials and sense of colour, pattern and texture continue to influence my own work. During my visits I add to my personal collection of African textiles and beadwork, some of which are featured in my first book, 'African Inspirations in Embroidery' published by Batsford in October 2004.

I am actively involved in a community project in an isolated area of Namibia which encourages women and girls to make baskets for sale and enables them to be self reliant.

I feel passionately that our embroidery and textile skills should be passed on to the next generation and am constantly amazed by the high standard of craftsmanship evident in so many museum collections. A study of 19th and early 20th century teaching samples and students' practice pieces are the basis for my current work. The personal investment of care and time in the ordinary and everyday items demonstrated in these historical samples are celebrated in 'Practice makes Perfect', my first thoughts in developing a new body of work.

An experienced teacher, having taught City & Guilds courses for many years I now work on a freelance basis. This includes lectures, workshops, study days and commissions. I regularly contribute articles to Embroidery and Stitch and continue to act as an External Verifier for the City & Guilds Institute. I act as the Textile Advisor for the Lincoln Diocese and actively encourage the care and preservation of church textiles.

I am a full member of the Embroiderers' Guild and Practical Study Group and exhibit regularly.

Web Site is: http://www.lizard-dance.com

Mary Sleigh