She was born in Scotland. She obtained a BA(FA) (1971) from the Glasgow School of Art and a MA(FA) from UN. She has lectured in 3D Design, Fashion, Fibre Art and Weaving, Drawing and Painting and Art Education at Technikon Natal, UDW and the Centre for Adult Education, UN and M.L. Sultan Technikon.
She is currently running the Fiona Kirkwood Art Studio in Durban.
She has held 9 solo exhibitions in SA and has participated in many group exhibitions in SA and Scotland and was a Merit Award winner for FNB Vita Craft exhibition in 1997. She has been recognised internationally for her work and leadership in Fibre Art in SA. She has many works in public and private collections in SA, the UK and USA and has undertaken large commissions.