ARTIST Alice Fox's work isn't far remote from her career in conservation.

Her enthusiasm and fascination for the natural world is printed, stitched and weaved into her creations.

A stitched shell or acorn are to be expected to dominate a display and will, no doubt, raise a smile from the spectators flocking to the forthcoming Knitting and Stitching show when it arrives in Harrogate on Thursday (November 24).

"I have always been interested in art, all my life," says Alice.

Despite her artistic interest, Alice studied physical geography after leaving school and pursued a career in conservation bringing her up close with nature.

"I worked in nature conservation for a few years. My environment background is quite important to what I do now," she explains.

After graduating from Bradford College of Arts and Media five years ago with her textile degree, Alice decided to combine her two interests working as a professional artist.

Through her work, Alice, who is originally from East Lincolnshire but moved to Yorkshire in 1999 after securing a job with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, is bringing the landscape to life and every trip she takes offers her inspiration.

Working with natural dyes, Alice combines various techniques throughout her work.

"I am trying to do things in a sustainable way as I can. It is about places, the places where I go and the things I have found. Metal, leaves, anything I know I can use for colour or making marks, textures, I feel like the environment background I have is very much important in what I am doing now."

Her studio is based in her home village of Saltaire, Sir Titus Salt's model village and a World Heritage site. She also showcases her work in exhibitions and events.

Previously she has participated in the annual Saltaire Arts Trail, a community art event held in the village in May, but one of the most high profile shows she is currently taking part in is the Knitting & Stitching Show.

"It is a big show, we've already had London and Dublin and Harrogate is the third. It is a great event to have really good exposure," says Alice.

'Findings,' which she has already showcased at the Knitting & Stitching shows in London and Dublin, and is due to showcase when it arrives in Harrogate on Thursday, focuses on the three dimensional objects she finds while walking.

The objects, both altered found items and constructed forms, incorporate hand stitch, weave, natural staining and gathered materials.

Alice explains the title 'Findings' refers to two different definitions: The action of finding someone or something; and information discovered as the result of an inquiry or investigation.

Her practice brings together recording, collecting and interaction with the landscape. She is fascinated by the detail of organic things and her thoughtful work celebrates and carries an essence of what she experiences in the natural world.

Working with natural fibres and gathered materials, Alice employs natural dye techniques, print, stitch and weave in different combinations to create surfaces and structures.

She explains how the the identity of the found items is often a mystery because of the action of the elements, yet they allow Alice to artistically manipulate and experiment with them, learn about their properties, boundaries and possibilities.

For example, Alice uses her found objects to make marks; allowing them to stain the fibres and stitches she surrounds them with.

She explains how this process becomes a collaboration between the object and her the artist. It also enables her to draw on her skills nurtured in her previous career. Alice says her background in physical geography and nature conservation underpins her artistic practice.

"It is the detail of what you find in the landscape that really inspires me," explains Alice.

Recording her finds is integral to her work and she intends to present 'Findings,' with reference to traditional ways of displaying natural history collections, along with a publication to accompany the exhibition.

As well as exhibiting her work, another avenue for recording and promoting her expertise and techniques is through her self-published tomes.

Alice has self-published five books, each recording a different major project. They are all available through her website.

She is also the author of Natural Processes in Textile Art, published by Batsford in 2015. The book promotes a way of working creatively with what is close at hand and making creative responses in-keeping with natural processes.

When she isn't creating, and writing about her work, she is passing on her expertise to others teaching and lecturing regularly.

Alice is also a member of the Textile Study Group and the Society of Designer Craftsmen.

"It's just what I do. It just feels it is the right thing for me to be doing," says Alice.

Adding: "I feel like I am always learning, whatever I am working on, I am learning all the time and I want to keep doing that."

Dubbed 'the definitive event for anyone with a love of stitch and crafts, supplies, workshops and textile art' the Knitting & Stitching show is perfect for those with a passion for crafting and creating. It runs from November 24 to 27 at Harrogate International Centre. For more information visit theknittingandstitchingshow.com/harrogate

To find out more about Alice visit alicefox.co.uk