Sally MacCabe - About

I am largely a self-taught artist. Since moving from Woodstock in Oxfordshire to St Ives in 2000 I have focused on developing my contemporary abstract paintings which are understandably influenced by this new life by the sea. This is evident in my use of the subtle blues and grey colours that dominate my work. Favourite sources of design are the Cornish landscape; abstract grids; and Venice buildings – but many paintings are an intuitive exploration of colour, texture and applied ephemera where the outcome is unknown – which is both scary and exciting!

My early work involved textiles when I used manipulated fabric and stitch in muted, textured panels. Although no longer using textiles, many of my paintings, hangings and book forms feature applied papers and a variety of materials which create a rich and interesting surface which is often built up layer upon layer. An important part of much of my work is the inclusion of fragments of personal letters, various vintage texts and printed lettering.

In May 2006 I opened the Sally MacCabe Studio Gallery at 17 The Terrace, St Ives. In the summer of 2012 this closed and I can now be found in a collective studio gallery with 5 other artists at Back Road Artworks, Back Road East, St Ives TR26 1NP (T: 01736 791571). The studio is open 7 days a week, but you may like to phone ahead of your visit to check it is a day I will be there. I also work from the small studio in my cottage in St Ives, which is open by appointment.