Dionne Swift

In the open-ness and tranquility of the landscape I find calm and inspiration.  The open aspect is fresh and up-lifting. The immense scale of the moors and valleys in Yorkshire constantly overwhelm me with their magnificence.  I am intrigued by the intimacy of the sky and land with their ever changing roles of solidity and translucency. 

Work is often mounted and framed, yet recently has been placed on stretchers [as a canvas].  I produce hangings to commission and create Art work to wear and use in the form of scarves/wraps and books/photograph albums.

I use devore processes on velvet to explore the changing structural qualities in the landscape.
I dye and hand paint the cloth, I over paint and employ dye reduction techniques to develop visual layers and the notion of depth.  The chemical burn-out process of 'devore' produces real depth allows the structural magnificence of the cloth to be fully appreciated.

I aim to allow the processes selected to add to the development of the work.  The techniques used are as important as the imagery depicted.

The devore process was developed on C17th France as a means of creating a poor man's lace.  Devore - to devour - to eat away/to burn out.  The fabric I use is a combination of silk and viscose, the devore process removes the viscose pile.

Selected Award winner 2011
‘Dionne Swift’s engaging and innovative work commands huge respect from her peers as well as from other professionals and the public. Her great skill and extensive knowledge of her materials, techniques and processes are leading to exciting synergies.  She not only breaks boundaries but admits to ignoring them, the results showing an uncompromising integrity.  Tracking her career leaves one anticipating even better to come. Dionne’s work inspires and encourages others and most importantly, I think her work is distinctive and memorable.  It will be valued in decades to come.’ Melissa Warren, Textile Judge: Selected awards 2011