Knitting, sewing, crocheting, drawing, painting, photography and writing had already occupied some of my time before the age of 16. Then I was introduced to cross stitching by a good family friend. I took to it like a duck to water, stitching other designer’s work, embellishing and making changes here and there. Cross stitching came with me on vacation, occupied my break times during university an
d later became an emotional outlet, after work. In 1995 MarNic Designs was launched. As my art form evolved it took me through my marriage and the birth of my children. My life and interests are often reflected in the work. My history degree demands that I do research when designing any pieces with historical content, with an allowance for artistic licence. Cross stitching has taken me to the Creativ Festival (Toronto, Canada) for 17+ years as a vendor and teacher. I hopped across the ocean to London, England in 2008 and did the Knitting & Stitching show at the Alexandra Palace. Earlier a number of shows where in Charlotte, North Carolina USA with Linda Lachance of Northern Pine Designs and Joanne Gatenby of X’s and Oh’s. Bermuda (2007) and Australia’s (2009) visits helped inspire more designs. Life moves me: its colors, its sounds, the feel of the wind, waves crashing on the beach, a quiet walk in a pine forest. I often walk for hours with my dogs and camera in hand. My favourite time to walk is at sunset or sunrise. My design motto is ‘I aspire to inspire before I expire’. Presently I live in a small town just south of Goderich, Ontario, Canada: ‘Canada’s prettiest town’ according to our Queen Elizabeth. I travel the many roads, of Huron County, working as a community PSW (personal support worker – focusing on seniors). The hiking, walking and running trails continue to inspire, accompanied by my awesome four footed friends, even our cat comes on walks some days. The following motivational statement carries me through these turbulent times. HOPE for peace,
COURAGE to make it happen,
and LOVE to carry to completion. HAPPY STITCHING
