Brenda Parsons

MSc, FRGS, FRSA, LSDC, HND Textiles

I was trained as a geographer and geologist, so have a great interest in international cultures and world environments. I am an avid photographer, collector and sketch-book creator.

After a career in education, as a teacher, adviser and schools’ inspector, I studied textiles at East Berkshire College, Bucks New University and Morley College. I am now working as a full-time artist. My passion is paper, its properties and how it can be used in textile art. Much of my current works are large installations and accessories, which are created using hand made and re-cycled paper.

I have developed a special technique – Paper Lace. I create this by machine stitching paper using a variety of patterns and densities. I then wash the papers to distress them and massage until a lace is created. I may use as many as 8 layers of paper to create a layered piece with surface lace. Sometimes I wax the surface, particularly if it is to be hung outside.

I am drawn to the lightness in weight of paper and the way that white paper re-cycled and hand-made brings a tranquility to my contemporary pieces. Recent pieces include paper collages which incorporate colour and a variety of papers, both handmade, found and painted.

I love the fact that paper which is an inexpensive material can be transformed into beautiful works of art.

I have exhibited my art work through Europe, the USA, Korea and Taiwan. I currently have work in exhibitions in France, the UK and Geneva.