As a textile artist my work has consisted of designing and making hand woven tapestries, tufted wall hangings and experimental textile works. My tapestries tend to be made from traditional materials such as wool, cotton, linen and silk and range from the very large pieces for public and corporate spaces to miniature pieces using more unusual materials, like pine needles, driftwood and willow. My works in the tufted medium are always made to commission and usually for public or corporate spaces.
The inspiration for my art usually comes from the world of nature, and can be as diverse as studying the changing colours through a season or textural studies of local harvest fields. I am inspired by colours from plants and flowers and have woven a large series of pieces based on flower borders and gardens, which has been ongoing for more than fifteen years. Nature always has something new to show me, it is just a matter of making time to observe.
Terry Dunne, tapestry artist / weaver has set up a new weaving studio at Cullens Cross, Woodgraigue, Duncormick, Co. Wexford. As one of Ireland ‘s leading tapestry and rug weavers I have recently packed up my looms and moved to the Wexford area.
After studying in Dunlaoghaire College of Art 1976 – 1980, I have exhibited my work extensively both in Ireland and abroad. I design and weave a range of hand woven floor rugs and wall hangings suitable for domestic use as well as corporate and public buildings.
As a tapestry artist I work in much the same way as a painter. My ideas and images emerge through drawing and painting and would remain as mere sketches if the translation into fibre, yarn and weave was not applied to them.
Woven tapestry is very important to me and using traditional weaves and structures I can communicate my experience of the world through my woven art.
My floor rugs are exercises in colour and are designed and woven to suit the area they are made for. They are enjoying a revival at present with the interest in wooden floors, people like to use good quality floor rugs for winter warmth and then remove them for summer use.
I have been involved in setting up a new support group for artists in the Wexford area called “5D Creative Forum” which has recently had its first exhibition in Wexford town and is planning a number of exhibitions throughout the summer months.
I am also involved in teaching art and I am a part-time teacher at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin . I teach primary teachers weaving, spinning and dyeing so they can bring these skills to children at a young age. I also teach advanced woven techniques to the Irish guild of weavers, spinners and dyers, as well as classes to local groups.
Featured throughout this site and in the galleries are examples of my commissioned work, along with some pieces that are available for sale. You can contact me at the above address, telephone number or by e-mail. Thank you for taking the time to visit my web-site.