The Textile Study Group

Sheila Mortlock

Sheila Mortlock, Dualchas A kilt incorporating print and stitch, expressing Sheila's connection to the landscape, history, and culture of Scotland.
Sheila Mortlock, Dualchas (Detail 5) Inspired by a specific place, the palette of the kilt reflects a deep cultural link to the Scottish landscape and the heritage of the garment.
Sheila Mortlock, Caught by the Wind (Detail 1) A celebration of passing time, referencing art college memories alongside printed and stitched cotton organdie over a layer of archived prints.
Sheila Mortlock, Dualchas (Detail 1) Inspired by a specific place, the palette of the kilt reflects a deep cultural link to the Scottish landscape and the heritage of the garment.
Sheila Mortlock, Dualchas (Detail 3)
Sheila Mortlock, Caught by the Wind (Detail 2) A celebration of passing time, referencing art college memories alongside printed and stitched cotton organdie over a layer of archived prints.
Sheila Mortlock, Sketchbook Page 1 2023 A series of exploratory mark-making studies from Sheila's sketchbooks.
Sheila Mortlock, Sketchbook Page 3 A series of exploratory mark-making studies from Sheila's sketchbooks.
Sheila Mortlock, Sketchbook Page 2024 A series of exploratory mark-making studies from Sheila's sketchbooks.
Sheila Mortlock, Leachnasaide (Detail) A fabric book inspired by the delicate structure of sea urchin shells.
Sheila Mortlock, Stone Boundary A mixed-fabric piece exploring croft boundary markers through machine and hand stitching.

Artist Statement

Colour and texture are continuous threads running through my work. After graduating from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in printed textiles and stitch, I taught art in Dundee secondary schools for many years. Teaching City & Guilds Stitched Textiles at Dundee College opened my current path, including three teaching spells in Delhi and a 2010 exhibition with a Fine Art colleague.

In sketchbooks, I enjoy mixed media and collaging papers linking directly into my textiles. I create textural mark making, interpreting drawn marks through stitch. While known as a hand stitcher, I recently include machine work. My early interest in printed surfaces remains evident through mono and screen printing techniques.

I joined the Textile Study Group in 2013. Teaching remains important; I enjoy workshop participation, watching students develop. After producing work interpreting stone marks and India-inspired series, I'm currently exploring Boundaries, particularly markers around crofts in North West Scotland.

Available For

  • Courses
  • Talks
  • Writing articles
  • Exhibitions
  • Collaborations

Location

Dundee, Scotland

Member Since

2013

Email

sheila.mortlock@blueyonder.co.uk

Links

Related News

Introducing the Textile Study Group Summer School 2027: Surface and Structure

3 September 2026

New Work by Sheila Mortlock for UNmaking

18 August 2026
See More News

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