KAYE SHANKS – ARTIST’S STATEMENT

I can’t remember a time in my life when I wasn’t painting, drawing, making something or learning a new creative skill. Textile art which involves stitching and working with fibre in all kinds of ways has been a common thread – you could say – through much of my creative work. In my current work, I use a variety of techniques including surface embellishment, fabric collage, quilting and hand and machine embroidery.

Prior to motherhood, I worked as an Occupational Therapist for many years.

I completed VCE Art at night school in 1992 and then in 2007, completed a Diploma of Visual Art - Studio Stitch, Textiles at Box Hill TAFE. I am also a mother of 3 beautiful daughters.

For me personally as an artist, I am inspired by both the created world around me and my life experience. I developed a love for the natural environment from my years of bushwalking and from my Christian faith. The diversity of texture, colour, shape and form in the natural world is endlessly inspiring.

Different events in my life have also influenced recent themes in my work and I sometimes use dolls to express my response to a theme or emotion.