Shirley has been passionate about embroidery and the textile arts since joining the Northern Ireland Embroidery Guild , based in County Down, in the late 1980's. Each month different artists would be invited to come and share their expertise, their signature style and their experiences with the group. Workshops often followed these presentations allowing the members to experiment with techniques and materials unfamiliar to them and to broaden their own skills.
This initiation into the rich world of stitch led Shirley to begin formal studies in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and subsequently in Salisbury, leading towards the award of a City and Guilds certificate in embroidery.
A peripatetic lifestyle, following her husband's career interrupted her studies. However she did find time to teach a weekly arts and crafts course in Northern Ireland, an experience which convinced her that the interchange of ideas enjoyed by both the student and the teacher in a classroom is hugely valuable and enriching. Finally, after more house moves, she is settled in France and has restarted her studies. She is now on the way to the Level Three Diploma in Design and Stitched Textiles., studying by correspondence and internet with the school "Stitchbusiness" based in Durham City and led by tutors Tracy A Franklin and Julia Triston. (www.stitchbusiness.com)
Once settled in picturesque central Brittany, Shirley sought out like minded stitch enthusiasts and founded the Association now known as Brittany Broderie. She has now handed over the rôle of Madame La Présidente but continues to help out at the monthly meetings and workshops for the 35 or so French and English speaking members, offering workshops when asked. Exhibitions are held every eighteen months and members, even the shy ones, find that their often exquisite work is enthusiastically received by the public who come to see it. Running the textile group in Brittany has reawakened the love of teaching in Shirley. Sharing skills with other enthusiasts and seeing competence and confidence growing in people as they master new techniques is a joy and gives immense satisfaction.
Embroidery in France is still predominantly traditional in style and Shirley has acquired skills long established in France such as white on white monogramming, boutis quilting, embroidery on net and Glazik. Members of Brittany Broderie, both French and British, have been very keen to learn these methods and perpetuate the skills. Less locally familiar techniques introduced to the group by Shirley and other tutors have included canvas work, silk painting, creative use of recycled materials, blackwork, crewel embroidery, cord making, Japanese silk embroidery and cut work. Each has been received enthusiastically by the membership, the variety ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Shirley is keen to encourage stitchers to escape from the confines of always working to a commercial pattern. First steps might be to adapt an existing design, changing colours or threads, omitting or adding materials or elements. Later, designing from scratch, taking inspiration from photographs or the surroundings is the goal. To this end, each Brittany Broderie exhibition has included a competition on a given theme, perhaps using elements of a kit of base materials, aimed at inspiring those who take part to create something entirely original. Visitors to the show are the judges, dropping their votes into a box. The results are eagerly anticipated and the winner is announced and receives a prize at the next regular meeting.
Apart from with Brittany Broderie, Shirley also exhibits with a group of amateur and professional painters in her area of France, introducing textile art to a new audience.
A new venture has been the offering of day long workshops in the family owned gîte Ty Louisette during the quiet off season months. Currently running on the third Saturday of each month this is something that will certainly grow with time.
Shirley continues to work towards her City and Guilds Diploma, developing new skills and a sense of personal style. A love of cloth, thread, texture and colour draw her onwards on this journey. Sharing this passion with others is the icing on the cake.
This initiation into the rich world of stitch led Shirley to begin formal studies in Lisburn, Northern Ireland and subsequently in Salisbury, leading towards the award of a City and Guilds certificate in embroidery.
A peripatetic lifestyle, following her husband's career interrupted her studies. However she did find time to teach a weekly arts and crafts course in Northern Ireland, an experience which convinced her that the interchange of ideas enjoyed by both the student and the teacher in a classroom is hugely valuable and enriching. Finally, after more house moves, she is settled in France and has restarted her studies. She is now on the way to the Level Three Diploma in Design and Stitched Textiles., studying by correspondence and internet with the school "Stitchbusiness" based in Durham City and led by tutors Tracy A Franklin and Julia Triston. (www.stitchbusiness.com)
Once settled in picturesque central Brittany, Shirley sought out like minded stitch enthusiasts and founded the Association now known as Brittany Broderie. She has now handed over the rôle of Madame La Présidente but continues to help out at the monthly meetings and workshops for the 35 or so French and English speaking members, offering workshops when asked. Exhibitions are held every eighteen months and members, even the shy ones, find that their often exquisite work is enthusiastically received by the public who come to see it. Running the textile group in Brittany has reawakened the love of teaching in Shirley. Sharing skills with other enthusiasts and seeing competence and confidence growing in people as they master new techniques is a joy and gives immense satisfaction.
Embroidery in France is still predominantly traditional in style and Shirley has acquired skills long established in France such as white on white monogramming, boutis quilting, embroidery on net and Glazik. Members of Brittany Broderie, both French and British, have been very keen to learn these methods and perpetuate the skills. Less locally familiar techniques introduced to the group by Shirley and other tutors have included canvas work, silk painting, creative use of recycled materials, blackwork, crewel embroidery, cord making, Japanese silk embroidery and cut work. Each has been received enthusiastically by the membership, the variety ensuring that there is something for everyone.
Shirley is keen to encourage stitchers to escape from the confines of always working to a commercial pattern. First steps might be to adapt an existing design, changing colours or threads, omitting or adding materials or elements. Later, designing from scratch, taking inspiration from photographs or the surroundings is the goal. To this end, each Brittany Broderie exhibition has included a competition on a given theme, perhaps using elements of a kit of base materials, aimed at inspiring those who take part to create something entirely original. Visitors to the show are the judges, dropping their votes into a box. The results are eagerly anticipated and the winner is announced and receives a prize at the next regular meeting.
Apart from with Brittany Broderie, Shirley also exhibits with a group of amateur and professional painters in her area of France, introducing textile art to a new audience.
A new venture has been the offering of day long workshops in the family owned gîte Ty Louisette during the quiet off season months. Currently running on the third Saturday of each month this is something that will certainly grow with time.
Shirley continues to work towards her City and Guilds Diploma, developing new skills and a sense of personal style. A love of cloth, thread, texture and colour draw her onwards on this journey. Sharing this passion with others is the icing on the cake.