The process

Dianne’s work is process driven. Ideas percolate for years before they are roughly sketched, fabrics gathered, then trialled, some rejected until the least possible number that can convey the image envisaged. The visual texture of the fabrics may suggest direction and the juxtapositions of the recombined fabrics will create new associations.

The process is destructive by nature, the fabrics are cut asunder, needled together in new combinations, pressed hard, then the process repeated, reworked until the jittery feeling of creation gives way to a sense of peace, at which stage the work is finished. Top, batting and backing fabric are combined then the quilting line incises, developing the story, creating a soft sculpture of minimal relief.

Dianne draws on landforms of Australia, the tradition of make do, travels around the world gathering fabrics from different cultures. The finished product is never as envisaged, it takes on a life of its own.