ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Paula Maughan
Textile Artist
 Willow Warbler by Paula Maughan |  Puffins |
|---|---|
 Great Spotted Woodpecker |  Two for Joy |
 The Kiss |  Bluebells and Blackbirds on Barra |
Biography
Paula Maughan studied jewellery and graphic design at Grays School of Art, Aberdeen. After graduating Paula worked freelance making and selling jewellery and producing illustrations for teaching materials which were published and used in Scottish schools.
On moving to England, she retrained as a teacher and became an Advanced Skills Teacher in Leicester City Schools supporting teachers in delivering Art and Design to pupils in primary schools. As well as having a demanding job Paula continued to develop her own art, mostly through watercolour painting and quilt making.
“As a young child, I was taught how to sew by my mother and still remember the excitement when the first electric Singer sewing machine arrived in our house. I have always loved fabric and its possibilities and since returning to Scotland in 2014 I have become interested in developing the use of textiles in my art.
I think of my textile art as a way of drawing with thread and painting with fabric. My aim is to create something delicate and exquisite that celebrates the natural world. At the moment I am inspired by the delicacy of birds and the patterns of their plumage.
I use silk, voile and a mix of traditional and innovative techniques and materials to create images of birds in a background setting that reflects the species habitat. Whenever possible I include seed heads, as their decorative quality makes them an ideal foil for the birds. This also allows me to add a little iridescence and shimmer to my pieces.
Inspired by Victorian taxidermy I have also explored three-dimensional bird scenes, using some of the skills I acquired as a jeweller. The pieces could be described as textile taxidermy!
Recently I have been working with a Glasgow based artist to produce computer designed stitched pieces which will become a range of wall hangings and cushions. Throughout 2019 I took part in a collaboration with artists from West Kilbride and Arran. This involved each artist creating one postcard sized piece each week – hence the title ‘52 Stitched Stories’. This exhibition runs from 3rd September to 24th October 2020 in The Barony Centre, West Kilbride.”
Paula’s work is usually available in the Barony Centre, West Kilbride.