When I first opened the studio gallery back in 2019 I contacted Ailie to join our community of exhibitors and workshop leaders. While we were discussing this Covid arrived in our lives so all plans went into limbo. So as you can well imagine I am very excited that finally , just after our 5th anniversary of the studio gallery opening its’ doors, we are exhibiting works by Ailie and she is leading a wonderful exploratory workshop. Ailie comes to us with a very well polished pedigree as one of Aotearoa’s long term stitch and fabric exponents. Her practice is eclectic and intensely detailed. (I would love to see how huge her stash is!!!!!) So here is a little look as some of the special works made by Ailie for The Beach 2025
Over the duration of the exhibition all of Ailie’s works will be loaded onto the gallery Website shp page so don’t forget to check them out there too.
Ailie’s Statement about her Art Practice
A significant portion of my studio practice is dedicated to a process of experimentation, where I allow myself the freedom to spend time ‘playing around and mucking about’, as I usually explain it. This process of trial and error often leads to unexpected discoveries, which are integral to my creative journey. I find that allowing ideas to evolve organically rather than expecting a predetermined outcome is essential for the development of satisfying work.
Creating in a series is particularly valuable in this respect, allowing me to track the transformation of an idea over time. While the underlying concept or story may remain consistent, the form, design, and expression often shift and evolve. Through this continuous evolution, I am able to engage with my work in a deeper more meaningful way, and keep my curiosity alive and active.
I devote many hours to creating samples for classes and workshops, as well as experimenting with materials and techniques to prepare for my own projects. This dual approach allows me to not only refine my skills and knowledge, but also to explore new possibilities with my materials. Sampling, in both contexts, acts as a bridge between the initial spark of an idea and its eventual realisation, providing a space for reflection, and for different iterations to evolve.
I work with small pieces of fabric and odd miscellaneous materials, choosing recycled items as much as possible. I have a particular fondness for old, worn pieces … things that others might see as rubbish, but I consider treasures. Friends generously share their scraps and off-cuts with me, and I also enjoy deconstructing garments sourced from local hospice shops.
The ideas I explore through inner work, conversations, reading, and writing are recurring themes in my work. I delve into various concepts and philosophies about life, art, and the human condition in my personal journals. These pages are filled with my own thoughts, the perspectives of others, and my responses, all accompanied by drawings, paintings, and collages. Each element reflects my exploration of the small, intimate details of life … journeys in thought, and the stories I tell myself.
This internal dialogue then feeds into the work I make, a response to the world around me, my thoughts and feelings, and the situations occurring in my personal sphere.
I am also deeply immersed in the beauty of our world, especially my local landscape, and probably more specifically, the seascape. The interplay of sea, sky, and land creates a strong sense of belonging, a connection between self and place. It is about feeling at one with my environment. Inspiration is constantly around me, shaped by awareness, observation, and emotion.
CV for Ailie
Personal Details.
Name: Ailie Snow
email: ailie@snoco.co.nz
Education
Hastings Girls’ High School. School Certificate. University Entrance.
Ardmore Teachers’ Training College 1964 – 1965
New Zealand Trained Teacher Certificate 1966.
Taught in Primary Schools in New Zealand, Australia, and Britain.
Diploma in Design, Unitec. 1994
Profile
I am a dedicated hand stitcher … working, exhibiting, and teaching in the field of textiles for more than 40 years. This work takes me all around New Zealand, and sometimes overseas. My current obsession is to create textured and evocative surfaces in my work, based on observation of my immediate environment. I use distorted and manipulated fabric in carefully considered colour combinations, along with a variety of stitches to achieve the desired effect.
Selected Publications
‘Stitch’ by Ann Packer. pub Random House. October 2006.
Textile Fibre Forum magazine. Issue 4, Number 88, 2007.
Get Creative magazine. July 2008.
NZ Woman’s Weekly. July 2016.
Textiles Down Under. Issue 23. 2016.
Formal Qualifications for Teaching
I am a fully trained teacher, and have been teaching in one form or another my whole adult life.
I re-entered formal education in the early 90s, as a full-time student for two years, gaining a Diploma in Design at Unitec.
Experience
I have been teaching and exhibiting regularly around New Zealand for 40 years, and occasionally in Australia, USA and the UK.
I have taught workshops at all sorts of events, and for many different organisations, large and small.
Most recent exhibitions include :
Changing Threads : NZ Textile Awards Show, Nelson. 2023 / 2021 / 2019 / 2017
Annual Embroidery Exhibitions Orewa and Auckland over the last 5 years
100 x 100 KeriKeri. 2024 / 2023 / 2022 / 2019 / 2018
Written in Thread. ( 3 artists ) Depot Artspace Devonport. 2018
Current Personal Education and Development
Online Tutorials with various international tutors 2020 – 2024.
Continual involvement with teaching in freelance adult education.
Constant personal studio practice, self-directed learning and research, and regular involvement with several artists groups.
Social Media : Facebook Ailie Snow
Instagram @ailiesnow
Find more from Ailie on her website https://www.ailiesnow.com/