50 Over 50: It Might Be Possible - Nicole Gammie's Bobbin Lace Evolution
- Kristine Schomaker
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
At 50, Nicole Gammie has the chance to experiment and play. They're combining textile art techniques—bobbin lace and passementerie—creating work at the intersection of tradition and innovation.
Learning and experimenting with lace and stitching began at an early age with numerous informal opportunities at school and in the community through classes and attending craft groups. Living around much of south-eastern Australia provided chances to investigate a range of lace and embroidery techniques in greater detail and opening up possibilities. Moving allowed them to explore local areas inspiring their love of bright colours, geometry and nature.
It's in more recent times that they've begun to explore the possibilities of combining bobbin lace and embroidery. Numerous experiments followed and assisted the development of this mixed media technique. These explorations continue allowing the embellished lace to evolve with new ideas and possibilities often assisted and inspired by exhibition guidelines and nature.
What's actually hard about being an artist at this point? Too many possibilities to explore and limited time.
Someone just turned 50 and wants to start making art—what do they tell them? Just have a go and explore what looks interesting to you.
Do they try to keep up with what matters in the art world? Through email lists, Instagram and despite the effort there is no chance of totally keeping up.
What do artists their age bring to the table that younger artists don't? Experiences that can be considered for exhibition themes and series work.
What are they working on next? A series of bobbin lace scarves.
What keeps them going when everything feels impossible? The need to generate some income and the pleasure in sharing their work with others.
What do they wish they'd known when they were younger? That it might be possible and not get talked out of the possibilities.
Age is irrelevant. It is more important you find something you enjoy doing.
Nicole Gammie is an Australian lace artist who works at the intersection of tradition and innovation, designing and handmaking bobbin lace enhanced with embroidery. Each piece reflects their commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and the beauty of textiles. They combine hand made and designed bobbin lace with hand embroidery, exploring bright colours, geometry and nature.
They enjoy the process of making the items and seeing how they can evolve from an initial idea or concept into a finished item. Flexibility and creativity assist in getting the best outcome as the piece and ideas around what to do evolve.
At 50, they're working on a series of bobbin lace scarves. They have the chance to experiment and play.
Too many possibilities to explore and limited time.
Just have a go and explore what looks interesting to you.
What they wish they'd known when they were younger? That it might be possible and not get talked out of the possibilities.
Age is irrelevant. It is more important you find something you enjoy doing.
Connect with Nicole: Website: nicolegammiedesigns.com.au Instagram: @nickygammie
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