While the use of fiber is central to her work, Coombs skillfully weaves and stitches cowrie shells, amethyst stone, mirror, and beads into tactile and large-scale forms. These non-fiber elements are used to communicate conceptual ideas of identity, the maternal figure, wealth, ancestry, and security.

“The artworks in this exhibition invite us to enter a world of wonderfully constructed fiber forms, created over several years in response to a number of personal experiences, reflections, and observations,” said Guest Curator Rosie Gordon-Wallace. “Each piece in this exhibition makes a contribution to our collective appreciation of Coombs’ oeuvre, as well as of the range of visual possibilities that can be attained when working with natural and synthetic fibers.”

The works in this exhibition span over a range of time (2015-2020), referencing a number of the artist’s personal experiences, as well as experiences of other maternal figures in her life. Coombs’ work communicates a range of ideas in pieces that are intended to physically envelope the viewer in some instances, and in other instances keep the viewer at a distance.

“My work is governed and guided by my emotions as I attempt to understand and search for the woman that I am. Each artwork represents a part of me that is hidden from myself and others. They embody my hidden voice,” said Coombs, “The artworks I create depict my experiences with birth, death, love, heartbreak, corruption, entrapment, destruction, joy, happiness, and freedom.”