A little bit about Janice Gunner

Unable to throw away left over dressmaking fabric scraps I took up a new hobby in 1974 which soon became an obsession! I have been involved in needlework since the age of 5, first sewing dolls clothes and stitching simple embroidery, graduating on to making my first skirt at the age of 10. That hobby was Patchwork & Quilting!

One husband (yes, I've been married to the same wonderful man for 34 years!) and three sons later, my hobby/obsession has became my profession.

I have now been teaching patchwork and quilting for 20 years, turning freelance as a Textile artist in 1999 which has allowed me the opportunity to indulge in my passion to make quilted textile art and to teach both nationally and internationally.

My qualifications include the Diploma in Stitched Textiles (Windsor) and City & Guilds Patchwork & Quilting Parts 1 & 2 (Hitchin). I was the first person to be awarded a C&G medal for excellence in Patchwork & Quilting for Part 1. I am a qualified teacher and formerly taught for Redbridge & Waltham Forest Adult Education services.

My work is continually evolving, current themes involve using my own hand dyed Shibori fabrics, Japanese and/or African Fabrics to produce work in a variety of styles and techniques. I take inspiration from nature and architecture and I am particularly drawn to colour as well as reflections in water and windows. I admire the work of Howard Hodgkin, the Impressionist artists, John Bellany and Mary Fedden for their use of colour and Andy Goldsworthy for texture. I also admire the work of fellow quilt artists Pauline Burbidge, Diana Harrison and Jo Budd.

I was President of The Quilters’ Guild of the British Isles 2005 – 2008, Vice- President & Head of Marketing 2004 – 2005 and Exhibitions Officer 2000 – 2004. I have been a member of the Guild since 1982.

Memberships

• Honorary Member - Quilters' Guild of The British Isles
• Contemporary Quilt
• The Society of Designer Craftsmen
• London Quilters
• Marsh Quilters
• New Horizons Textile Group
• Five (France)
• Context