About the artist

I have been learning embroidery and bead art since the pandemic, when I was desperate for a hobby which didn't involve looking at a screen! I progressed from pre-made kits to designing my own emobridery pieces. It has been an opportunity for me to be more artistic, as I am hopeless with traditional painting materials. Most of my pieces are based in nature or history - I have just finished a series based on the frescoes and pottery from Knossos.

About the art

A coral reef was the very first thing I thought of when I heard the brief - I don't think there is anywhere more full of life, or more at risk as a result of climate change, than a coral reef. The surface of the sea looks incredibly barren and devoid of life, but underneath it is full of colour and shape, and a coral reef is like an underwater city. I think there is an endless magic about the sea - possibly because it's still so difficult for humans to exist underwater! I wanted the work to capture some of that sense of life and to feel very real and three dimensional, so the viewer can appreciate what a wonder it is - and how important it is to protect.