Penny Burnfield

I am interested in the human compulsion to collect - specimens, relics of the past. Through these we try to make sense of our chaotic world by categorising, labelling, classifying. Often such things are displayed in museums, other items are conserved and stored away, half forgotten, in the basement.

Labels are necessary, but these are often unintelligible to the casual observer, who does not understand the codes and reference numbers. My labels are also cryptic, and refer to the development of the work in my own codes.

Sources include all museums, but especially the Natural History Museum and the Medical Museum at the Royal London Hospital where I originally trained as a Doctor. I look for fundamental organic forms, such as are found in simple invertebrates, seeds, pollen grains, fossils. My work is usually in the form of multiples and the relationship of the parts to each other in space is central to any piece.

Drawing (monoprints), collages and painting are parallel activities. The two activities cross-fertilise but I do not work from my drawings, preferring to work directly with the materials.

After first training as an embroiderer, I took a BA Degree in Textile Art - seeking to broaden my interest in other types of textiles and to learn more of the 'Fine Art' world. I use textiles predominantly in my work because their organic and repetitious qualities suit the forms I make.

I taught for several years in Adult Education, and am now a freelance artist, lecturer, writer and teacher. I have exhibited widely including 'Art Textiles 2', 'The Art of the Stitch' and with The Crafts Council. I am a member of The 62 Group, The Embroiderers' Guild, The Practical Study Group, The Hampshire Sculpture Trust and the exhibiting group Losing the Thread.

Penny Burnfield

A hanging piece in seven parts,
inspired by museum displays
Burnt calico, dyed thread,
paper and fabrics.
Closer view