Deb Donnelly profile 2012

Born and raised in New Zealand I work as a visual artist, curator, educator and traveller who enjoys meeting people, their cultures and histories. My passion for textiles started as a girl through my mother’s lifelong interest in everything sewn, embroidered, printed, knitted, dyed, woven, constructed and designed with fibre and fabrics in mind. This interest has led to visits to many countries learning and sharing textile techniques and concepts that allow me to express my family’s transnational background from Asia, Europe and beyond. I teach young and old, beginners and advanced skills in natural dyeing, sashimi embroidery and photographic stencil based printmaking.

I am also a felter using fine merino wool and Nuno silks to develop into fashion and unique craft pieces. These have been exhibited and sold in New Zealand, Hong Kong, China, Japan and France through World Shibori network symposiums and Surface Design association as a member.

I often collaborate with other photographers, artists, students and communities to create works and installations that have a life of their own. Photographer Destina munro, model Pia Thompson my photo student for SUSFUTURE online exhibition Taiwan 2024, Taiyuan, china 2025.