Terry Dunne

Tapestry maker

©Terry Dune

©Michael Duggan

©Terry Dune

Time well spent

Terry combines ancient technique and modern design
His pieces are inspired by local nature
Materials and technique guide his process

Terry Dunne’s weaving studio is located in Wexford set back from the sea front, a peaceful location situated between Kilmore Quay and Bannow Bay. The perfect location to spend days lost in creating his intricate tapestry pieces. Steeped in this environment, it is small wonder that Terry draws much of his inspiration from the natural world. His pieces bring together traditional skills and contemporary design resulting in stunning one-off works of art. He compares his process to that of a painter, translating his drawings and sketches into fibre; he uses threads rather than brushes. Terry has been exhibiting nationally and internationally since graduating from Dunlaoghaire College of art in 1980.

Interview

©Michael Duggan

©Terry Dune

What materials do you use?: All the materials I work with are natural fibres, and the tactile quality of these is very important to me. I use high-quality materials and I want these to show in the finished surface of my woven tapestries to give a luxurious surface.
What inspires you?: I am inspired by the world around me, through my craft I express my experience of interacting with it. I work a lot from nature and the changing colours through a season are a regular starting point for my colour palette.
What attracted you to weaving?: One of the first things I made was a tufted rya rug in moss greens, inspired by the forest undergrowth. It was carved and clipped into the mounds of a mossy floor. I find the process of creating very fulfilling. I love seeing materials grow into an image.
What is less known about your work?: People do not know the hours and hours of work that go in day after day to build up a woven image in a tapestry form. It can take months to weave a large tapestry but I find this whole process a joy and a good way to spend my time.

Terry Dunne is a master artisan: he began his career in 1981 and he started teaching in 1980