Page 30 - The Digital Cloth Issue 3

Sometimes my birds don’t work out so well. I
have to be brave to put away a piece I’ve
been working on for a week or more, but it’s
often for the best. My wren was one of those
birds and when I rediscovered it at the bottom

of my sewing box more than a year later, I was
able to see where it needed to be tweaked to
realise it’s potential. I know this commonly
happens to other artist and I’ve also
experienced it numerous times. It’s like a
ripening process that only time can heal.

Who knows where this is heading in the future?
The more birds I make, the more interested I
am in making Australian birds, highlighting their
beautiful patterns, shapes or behaviours. I

guess it’s my way of working closely with nature
and the environment, but also benefiting from a
creative kick that working with gorgeous natural
textiles inspires. Almost all of my work this year
has been by commission, apart from a few birds
that I’ve managed to make for Stonehouse
Gallery in nearby Warrandyte and has kept me
so busy that I have barely had time to return to
the tail of my life size Lyrebird that I started

making earlier in the year. Not that I’m
complaining. The fun part of commissions is you
never know what people will ask, and I’ve learnt
so much about birds I never knew existed, so in
a way their inspiration has become my
knowledge.

Contact for Commissions at www.jillffrench.com