A move to a shingle beach provided endless inspiration in the shifting landscape, the plant and animal life, the architecture of groynes and boats, and the extraordinary light in this area. Having also rekindled a love of drawing, I create fabric and mixed media “paintings” – building up and taking away, over layering and over dyeing, embroidering, stitching, printing and collaging using recycled lace, paper, plastic, metal and wood. I will often draw straight on to the fabric with pen or sewing machine, or use wax and paste resist and I am particularly drawn to Japanese Shibori (meaning to wring, squeeze or press), a technique of working cloth by binding, clamping or knotting to create a pattern once it has been dyed.
When I create, the process itself becomes a sanctuary, as is my studio which is filled with collections of objects and textures. My pieces reflect the development of working towards the “centre”, which becomes a metaphor of entering a sanctuary that is often almost hidden behind translucent strata, yet is still accessible.
C.V. JOSEPHINE HO Textile artist
Trained at Edinburgh University and Camberwell School of Art
Gained a City and Guilds Diploma in Printed and Dyed Textiles at London College of Furniture.
Awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship to India to study traditional dyeing and resist techniques.
Self taught couture dressmaker/embroiderer
Costume maker for films
Educational experience includes teaching art/craft in adult and community education, including special needs; textile residencies in schools and colleges, museums, creative writing conferences, health centres, Chinese and Muslim communities and in private workshops.
Currently in post at Battle Abbey Prep School as part time art tutor.
Exhibits regularly, locally and nationally and has held Open Studios for many years.
Has exhibited in the annual Rye Society of Artists Show, Rye Gallery and The Arts Forum. The Mall Galleries, London, The Museum of London, The Ashmoleum Museum, Oxford, The Portsmouth Arts Centre and The Waterman Arts Centre, London.
Membership: SoCo – South Coast Artists
Arts Forum – Hastings