Using found objects in my work started back in 2002 during my degree. I would find objects in abandoned buildings and on the street. I now have a huge collection of vintage pieces like tins and bottles and I’ve started using them in my work.

Where is my Mind? shares a list of intrusive thoughts associated with my OCD. I used text stitched onto wash away fabric and a vintage medical tin to create this work on a small scale

The text is only partially visible and this worked well with the exhibition theme and the misunderstood nature of OCD. I loved how the piece turned out and it looked great in the exhibition too. Intrusive thoughts are different for everyone and I like the fact that mine are concealed in this way.

Where is my Voice? shares a list of my current perimenopausal symptoms embroidered onto dissolvable fabric. When the stable backing is washed away, all that is left is vague suggestions of the story, which represents the brain fog associated with this time in my life. The vintage throat lozenge tin represents the fact that my voice went unheard.

I created Where is my Helpful Advice? to bring the original pieces of work together as a series in 2025. This piece is even smaller and fits around a vintage medicine tin which contained tablets for nervous disorders. I wanted to use all the terrible mental health advice I’ve received over the years as the text. From “have you tried going for a walk” to “it’s just in your head” I’ve heard it all over the last 30 years.