Gypsy Murray-Ward

As a child, Gypsy Murray-Ward played in the dirt and splashed in the puddles of her suburban environment, never dreaming that it would lead her to a career as a textile artist. Although in the early years her creativity was evident in her ability to design and draw, textile art was never an option. The ability to sew was achieved in her teenage years with the gift of her Grandmother’s old treadle machine. From 17 yrs of age, Gypsy had the guidance and help of her mother in law, Anne Liddell. Anne shared her wealth of knowledge and expertise with the willing young girl who was her first daughter in law, from a family of 4 sons. Then throughout the following 10 years Gypsy designed and sewed costumes for a local ballet school, and designed and painted the scenery for annual concerts. Throughout this time ceramics remained the main focus of creativity, as Gypsy was always looking into the more solid framework of expression through the manipulation of clay and glaze. A move to the country saw a change in direction which lead to Horticulture and Architecture studies, and then Porcelain doll making, which endures to this day. While living on the far north coast of NSW, Gypsy began a more focused education in ceramics with Sandra Taylor, Steve Davies and Bob Connery, and continued for many years as their student. Gypsy was then able to continue teaching at many local schools and ceramic groups around the area. A chance encounter, the opening of a door leading to a different direction and an open mind to new experiences led Gypsy into the world of felting hats. It was a very singular development and not as one may expect an emerging new ability, but more a grand explosion of desire and the embrace of a new medium which would see her style and technique being appreciated whenever her range of hats was displayed. Gypsy has become totally focused on this new and exciting expression, and now has an extended range which is selling in the UK and Europe.