Maker's bio

Mary-Ann is a self-taught mixed media artist and tutor. Her imagination is often occupied by a beautiful place that she calls Concordia’s World. She creates enchanting highly detailed moving textile sculptures of the creatures that reside there including dragons, fairies, butterflies, and whatever else her imagination comes up with. Many of them fly with the aid of mechanical movement (automata, mobiles and balance sculptures). Her creations, which provide reminders of childhood and allowing nature to inspire imaginary creatures, are her personal remedy for mental health difficulties, both for herself and for others. Offering comfort through a combination of natural material choices, nostalgic subject matter and calming, meditative movements, her moving sculptures symbolize the desire to fly and pure escapism. Mary-Ann has a strong sustainability ethos so wherever possible, her creations are made from, and with, preowned and preloved treasures. Mary-Ann’s first major textile sculpture resulted in a feature on BBC Radio Solent morning show. She has recorded and appeared live on Susan Weeks’ Stitchery Stories podcast and regularly holds workshops to share the skills and techniques she has developed with others. Her Moving Flying Dragon Model paper kit is stocked at various outlets including Cabaret Mechanical Theatre.