Debbie Siniska

Debbie Siniska is a rag rug artist and feltmaker, author and teacher, and works using traditional hand tools to create rag rugs, cushions and wall pieces. Her work is exhibited in the V&A Museum, Tate Gallery shop, Charleston Farmhouse, bohemian home of artists Vanessa Bell and Duncan Grant, and for the National Trust. She teaches in schools, colleges and art centres in the South East, and published her book Rag Rugs - Old into New to coincide with a TV appearance with Kirstie Allsopp. She is a member of the Heritage Crafts Association, and the Sussex Arts Collective. Debbie works to commission and creates work for shops and galleries, working from her studio in East Sussex.

Describe your approach to teaching.
I aim to inspire and encourage my students, from my own experience with my craft. I will do short demonstrations as the need arises, and have plenty of inspirational material at hand.

What inspires your own work?
I am inspired to work with colour and texture. Birds, animals, nature and the natural world to create uplifting pieces and the element of recycling and historical narratives also inspire me.