Maryann Stamford
Handweaver, Textile Artist and Designer
My creative passion is to weave fabrics and to construct these fabrics into table linen, fashion accessories, clothing, quilts, rugs, and wall art. These articles may also contain commercial fabrics, yarns and handmade papers that have been painted or dyed. The finished pieces are often embellished with beads or embroidery.
handwoven gallery
In weaving, I find an odd combination of order and regime, mixed with unending variations and surprises. The physical technique of weaving satisfies my need for rhythm, structure and logical progression, while the infinite number of combinations of colour, texture, pattern and designs keep me excited and determined to discover the unknown.
Over the years I have invested heavily to equip my studio with the facilities and equipment to weave the sheerest of fabrics to the toughest of rugs. My fibres of preference are linen, tencel, cotton and silk. These fibres adapt beautifully with lace weave structures, tied unit weaves and fancy twills.
I believe that a solid understanding and knowledge of the theory of woven design is essential to allow me the freedom to design unique fabrics. I have a number of specialized software programs that shorten my designing sessions. I have 8 looms in the studio and there are numerous warps in production at any time, whether for retail, commissions or projects for my students.
As much as I enjoy the creative side of my endeavours, I also enjoy teaching and inspiring others to follow this time honoured craft.
textile art gallery
Currently, I am exploring many of the techniques that were part of my textile studies all those years ago. I can weave cloth. I can dye or paint it. I can stitch it or embellish it or I can construct it into wall art or cosy quilts. Earlier this decade, I was the creative designer for a small printing firm. The layout and design skills that were required in that position are influencing the creative element of my current designs.
Many of my pieces are of mixed medium. As well as incorporating my woven fabrics, I am happy to include commercial materials that I have manipulated in some way. Many pieces are embellished with glass beads, woven trims, paper and even timber.
history
Nestled in the green rolling hills behind the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, I am fortunate to have a studio space dedicated to the creation of Textiles.
My fascination with weaving yarn into fabric was born in 1983 when I began my studies at the Kelvin Grove Campus in Brisbane Australia. Following the completion of my studies, I created and operated my own handweaving studio supplying textiles to designers and retail outlets across Australia. In addition, I returned to the campus to teach and lecture as well as conducting both private and guild handweaving classes.
For two years in the mid 90s I was fortunate to be appointed to a position in the design team for the commercial design studio of the Wangaratta Weaving Mill. From this studio, we designed woven textiles for clients such as Sheridan, Wilsons Fabrics, and Katies, to name a few.
Since retiring from my commercial studio responsibilities and moving north to Maleny, I have continued my weaving practice and teaching appointments but now I have additional time to experiment with textiles in various forms.
The studio is also a place of sharing and learning. It caters for weavers, quilters and textile artists from the novice to experienced artisans. I offer tuition in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere with access to all the necessary materials and equipment. An extensive resource of books, magazines, photos, notes and samples are always on hand to stimulate creativity.
Please contact me for any further information including my current CV, upcoming classes or exhibitions.
COPYRIGHT NOTICE
Please be aware all contents of this website are Copyright © 2007-2010 to Maryann Stamford. All rights reserved.
