Textiles
My passion for textiles traces back to the 1980s when I had the privilege of living and working alongside my uncles, Ross Weymouth and his partner John Claringbold, renowned couture designers in Melbourne’s fashion scene from the 1960s until 2000. In their studio, nestled within the iconic Nicholas Building, I immersed myself in the intricate craft of hand-beading and sewing, contributing to their award-winning collections. This experience refined my skills and deepened my appreciation for the artistry and attention to detail required in high fashion.
Textiles remain an integral part of my artistic expression. From intricate handwork to bold experimentation, I love exploring this medium's endless possibilities and am excited about pushing the boundaries of my textile work in the future.
Inspired by this rich foundation and missing the hand work after the passing of both John & Ross in 2014 I later launched Hot Diggity Damn, a couture dog label that allowed me to merge my love for textiles with playful and imaginative designs. Although short lived it was a fun and innovative venture, bringing a touch of couture to the world of pets, and further expanded my creative horizons.
Today, in my studio at the Kerri Weymouth Art Gallery, my textile journey continues. I stock vintage clothing, and I am deeply committed to the sustainability movement by repurposing, upcycling, and transforming garments into unique pieces that blend the old with the new. As a part of this, I have revived the Hot Diggity Damn label, incorporating recycled clothing for individuals, giving old garments a fresh and modern couture-twist, honouring the original material while giving it a fresh identity.
Hot Diggity Damn & Gowns
While I have always been captivated by the glamour and glitz of the fashion world, my deep connection to the Australian bush also influences my work. I love working with fabrics and papers dyed with Australian bush plants, embracing the raw beauty and earthy tones nature provides through bush dyeing, which allows me to blend my passion for fashion and art with a sustainable, organic approach.
This fusion of fashion, art and nature reflects the balance between my past experiences in couture, creative expressions and my love for the rugged beauty of the Australian bush.
Bush Dyeing – Mixed Media
This project formed a part of my internship as a Local Producer at the CAD Factory to complete my final year of study towards a Master of Therapeutic Arts at MIECAT, Melbourne. Collaborating with Wagga-Wagga-based artist Julie Montgarrett on this textile project alongside a committed group of artists in Darlington Point.
These “Bidgee Bunyips” imagine and bring to life the ancient Wiradjuri story of the dangerous bunyip lurks in various locations along the Murrumbidgee River, waiting to gobble up children!
This clever cultural story was a way to keep children water-safe and away from the most treacherous parts of the river in Darlington Point called the Bunyip Hole.