Katree Wilson

These works are the culmination of a lifetime,  the lifetime of my late mother, Jenny Toynbee Wilson,  who in the 80's, became an internationally recognised fibre artist.

I learnt so much growing up, as I sat at the studio desk beside her, learning the huge range of her skills and observing the careful consideration she gave to each detail on her creative journey. Those experiences have paved my own artistic life.

Now in my studio, I contemplate pieces of her unfinished work and find myself in awe of the layers, rich textures, colours and imagination that she appeared to produce effortlessly. Finding my own voice in such richness is somewhat intimidating, so I go slowly and look for signs that she is still guiding me.

My interest and attraction is to the form, the texture and the beauty that lies in tiny places and pieces when we step into nature and truly observe the wonders of our environment. My earliest memories are being alongside my mother on our local beach gathering shells, not always perfect ones but always with interesting shapes & ornamentation. A great collection was founded. Next was the humble gum leaf,  of which I have many, so strong and varied. Lastly and my absolute favourite is the driftwood stick, bleached and sensuous, often inviting a caress. These can be found decorating many surfaces around my home, as simple, unadorned table displays. 

Combining our individual expressions have resulted in these rich tapestries that encompass earth, sky, wind, water and the fire of creation.