Creative Artisans Gallery - March Artist

Deb McFarlane is a freeform tapestry weaver based on Ballina Island in the Northern Rivers, where she lives and works surrounded by the coastal and hinterland landscapes that inspire her art. Using a traditional frame loom, she creates richly textured woven pieces that reflect her interpretation of local seascapes and natural environments.

Working without patterns or stitch counting, Deb's approach to freeform tapestry weaving is intuitive and organic. Each artwork evolves directly on the loom as she blends colour, texture and varying yarn thicknesses to visually translate an image. The process is guided by instinct, allowing each piece to develop its own character and movement.

Sustainability is central to Deb's practice. She predominantly works with recycled and reclaimed yarns sourced from op shops, garage sales, gifted materials and unravelled garments, occasionally incorporating natural fibres foraged from the surrounding environment. This considered approach not only reduces waste but adds unique depth and story to every work.

Her practice is slow and deliberate. Smaller weavings can take four to six weeks to complete, while larger works may span several months and feature more than 100 different coloured yarns to achieve layered detail and surface richness.