Diana Parsons Isle of Wight artist

Diana Parsons is an Isle of Wight textile artist who uses a variety of techniques, often combining several in one piece.

These consist mainly of applique, with hand and machine stitching, often with elements of batik, print, Procion dyes and fabric paint. In addition, by working with paper pulp she is am able to use texture and stitch to explore and extend themes in 3 dimensional form.

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Diana Parsons was born and educated on the Isle of Wight and studied Fine Art at Portsmouth College of Art. After art teacher training at Birmingham University and a long career as an art teacher,Diana Parsons left education in 2002, to become a full time practising artist.

Diana Parsons was originally trained as a painter and although drawing remains a fundamental aspect of her practice, especially life drawing, her interest in textiles, which developed during her teaching career, has become all consuming.

Diana Parsons found that the techniques, colours and textures of fabric, stitch and dye gave her the means to explore ideas, memory, observation and imagination, in ways she have not always found accessible in paint.

The open spaces surrounding her home, near the south west coast of the Isle of Wight have been influential in her work, but travel has provided her with the most exciting imagery. Diana Parsons is particularly drawn to pattern and texture, damaged surfaces and the patina of age. Hence her preoccupation with fresco, the art of the Renaissance and of ancient civilisations. Diana Parsons loves the sense of mystery evoked by fragments of the past emerging, tantalisingly, into the present.

Crete, Morocco and Mexico have all been especially rich in evoking a sense of an ancient, timeless and mysterious culture, which she finds both fascinating and inspiring.

Isle of Wight Arts Exhibitions

Private Exhibition Whitefield Totland IW May 2002
'From Chale to Knossos' Alchemist Gallery Yarmouth IW Oct 2003 (solo)
'The Blue Room' Quay Arts Summer Craft Show June 2004
'Landscape' Quay Arts Open July 2005
Open Studios Atherfield Sept 2005
Quay Crafts Group Ventnor Botanical Gardens Oct 2005
'The Art of Pattern' Southampton City Art Gallery Open January 2006
'Moroccan Journey' Quay Arts Ropestore Gallery July 2006 (solo)
Open Studios Atherfield September 2006