I currently work from a studio near Bradford-on-Avon, Bath.
I work on a large upright tapestry loom with a weaving width of about two metres (seven feet) and a variable length. Some tapestries are woven from the bottom upwards so that the warp runs vertically through the piece. Others are woven on their side to achieve more fluid lines. The weft is woven in by hand in small areas at a time.
Smaller tapestries are woven on a simple wooden frame using the same weaving techniques.
The warp has to be strong and can be made from linen, cotton or wool. For the weft I use mostly handspun nettle yarn from Nepal, with some hemp, linen and occasionally wool. I dye the yarns myself using coldwater fibre-reactive dyes for the nettle, linen and hemp, and acid dyes for the wool.
Many of my tapestries are inspired by songs, dance, stories and myths. Each one is developed through numerous sketches, leading to a simple full size cartoon. A copy of this is placed behind the warp threads to act as guide during the weaving.
I use traditional tapestry weaving techniques and aim to produce a a strong, contemporary, thought-provoking image, sometimes with a dreamlike quality.
The long slow work process is important to the development of each piece, and the brilliant colour ranges, and diversity of texture in the different yarns are a constant challenge and excitement.
There are more details about my studio and techniques in my book on tapestry weaving - published in 2002 by Search Press. This is also available in Polish language.
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