The artistic journey for Lynda started when she was very young, well before she could write, and developed through drawing realistic flowers from the bushland around her in Newcastle, her dogs, and on to using photos from books to draw animals and birds. The Manning River Air Force Association has a huge framed eagle of hers (all her non-textile artworks are done in her maiden name of Coppock).

Lynda’s introduction into combining art and textiles came during primary school. From there her art progressed to using acrylics (and one or two oil paintings). It was during this time that she pulled an interesting article out of a magazine (yes, she still has the article) detailing the winning work “Coastal Banksia” by Annemieke Mein. Here was drawing combined with sewing to create something realistic!

Lynda learned silk painting techniques with Colleen Weste, and later did a further workshop with her covering Shibori techniques. The possibilities were now starting to come together.

A pivotal point in discovering just what was possible was discovering in 1992 the book “The Art of Annemieke Mein” – her copy of which arrived the day after she had the opportunity to hear Annemieke talk at The Monash Gallery of Art. Standing before Annemieke’s works “in the flesh” was inspirational.

In 2000 Lynda attended “Embroidery 2000” in Auckland, New Zealand. There she spent a week with textile artist Carol Wilkes learning to sew and embroider outside her comfort zone, and for that Lynda thanks her immensely. At the end of the week Carol told Lynda that she should be looking to do more three dimensional work – she must have seen something in Lynda that Lynda had yet to discover.

It was also around this time that Lynda’s journey into drafting clothing began with Ann-Michelle Grose at The Designer Stitch School of Fashion and Design. Ann-Michelle made this journey most fun and was another to push Lynda outside her comfort zone (for which Lynda thanks her also). Because of Ann-Michelle, Lynda entered work into The Australian Gown of the Year in 2001 – an experience to say the least. From there it was on to The Australian Wool Fashion Awards, The Flair Fashion Awards and Art to Wear.

At the end of September 2003 Lynda attended a week-long workshop in Geelong by textile artist Ken Smith entitled “Into the Woods”. Her eyes were further opened into a world of three dimensional possibilities, which she has since further developed.

In January 2008 Lynda attended workshops by Dale Rollerson (of The Thread Studio) and Sue Senewiratne, and in July 2008 a 4 day workshop by Kath Wilkinson. Learning from other artists should always be ongoing.

Lynda also attends the Machine Embroidery guidance group at The Embroiderers Guild, Victoria (EGV) through which she gains much inspiration.

In 2012/13 Lynda undertook an extensive course at the EGV relating to designing spedifically for stitching – which took her back to her drawing roots.

So, more recently, Lynda has gone back to her drawing and sketching and now translates this onto fabric to be stitched into. She also loves taking photos of native birds and wildlife, also with a view of creating textile art pieces. 3D pieces and textures still intrigue her, so it will be interesting to see what is next in her journey.

As you look through Lynda’s website, you will be able to see just how the above series of events has contributed to her ongoing journey in textile art.