Portfolios: Lichens / Journals / Literature / Tradition / Miscellany 

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                   Lichens - the legacy of flora

Simple fungi, simple algae interwoven and symbiotic live as minutely patterned lichens on hard and unforgiving stone.
Textures on stone have been a continuing source of inspiration. I am particularly drawn to the colours, textures and structure of seemingly insignificant organisms that live on them - lichens.
The idea that two organisms – a fungus and an alga – exist in a symbiotic relationship and produce lichen which can only really be seen clearly microscopically is so intriguing.

'The Gaps I Mean' – a large appliqued hanging designed for a stair well incorporating fragments from Robert Frost’s poem 'Mending Wall' printed on to the background fabric.
'The Lichen Texture Series' – miniaturise the design and are hand stitched with a multitude of French knots.
'Lichens on Limestone' –  the series develops the design" The gaps I mean" with different colour palettes, stitching and text. 
'Nephroma' & 'Parmelia III' – the stitching on 'Nephroma' is taken from the shape of the lichen nephroma laevigatum. 'Parmelia III' has stitching based on the lobe like shapes of parmelia plumbea.
'Caloplaca' - mixed media, using textured paste background, paper and fabric in a naturalistic way.
'Long Lichens' - long narrow hanging with a contemporary twist in the colour, appliqued on to a corded cotton background.

See Gallery for sale pieces.