GENERAL COMMITTEE
Sacha Barker
Chairperson
Sacha Barker is an artist working with textile, sculpture and installation. She has a Bachelor of Design with First Class Honours and Master of Fine Art via research from UWA and has exhibited nationally and internationally.
She has developed several large site-specific installations that engage the viewer in creating narrative. Human labour and rigorous technical experimentation inform her practice.
Joy Denise Scott
Vice Chair
As an interdisciplinary artist drawing on poetry and improvisational embroidery to describe emotional responses, and their trigger effects on lived experience, I am exploring the question as to where am I in the scheme of things? My practice takes its cue from feminist scholar Sarah Ahmed, as to how our feelings are wrapped up with how we co-exist with others and why this matters.
Caitlin Stewart
Secretary
Based in Jurien Bay, I am an artist drawn to exploring human connections and interactions with our built and natural environment. These may be personal or historical, but usually centre around change, strength and fragility. Outside my artistic life, I have worked in the arts, community development and education sectors across regional Western Australia.
Pip Hoy
Treasurer
Pip’s creative practice is based at Tresillian Arts Centre in Nedlands. Her work is underpinned by an interest in contemporary global issues, personal stories, colour and repetitive mark making. Pip has exhibited locally and internationally. Building on the foundation of her flourishing creative practice, Pip taps into her broad and culturally rich life experiences to support others within the WA fibre arts community through teaching, coaching and volunteering.
Emma Powell
Membership Secretary
Emma's connection to textile art began in childhood, sparked by a large fabric peacock artwork her mother rescued. At six years old, she was drawn to the small retro fabric pieces, their textures, and vibrant colour, an experience that left a lasting impression.
Years later she is now using similar techniques to create art. Hand-stitching, collaging and sculpting with fabric.
In 2015 Emma completed her Advanced Diploma in Visual Arts and Crafts, and continues to dabble in a variety of art forms, and enjoys being involved in a range of creative adventures.
Verity Byth
Regional Representative, Great Southern
Based in Denmark WA, Verity is a textile artist with a creative practice at the intersection of feminism, finance and fabric. Her work combines stitching, sculpture, soundscapes and video.
Susan Laing
Regional Representative, Perth Metro
My journey into fibre started after retirement - a short 8 years ago. My chosen vehicle is floor loom weaving. With infinite possibilities of structures, yarns, colours and ideas to explore I can truly say life certainly is a rich tapestry… further embellished by connections with fellow yarn adventurers along the way!
Mary Day
Regional Representative, South West
Mary has engaged in a creative fibre arts practice for most of her life. With an initial focus on sewing and knitting, Mary’s skills-based practice expanded significantly after attending Albany Summer school for the first time in the late-90s. Under the tutelage of textile artist Elzabeth Morley, Mary was inspired to explore, experiment and learn anything and everything related to fibre. Based in Busselton, Mary now belongs to an active fibre arts group, participates as a WAFTA member and serves on the WAFTA Committee as the Regional Member for WAFTA South West.