how’yagahn?
grab a coffee if ya haven’t already got one.
I view these works less as embroidery and more painting with thread, the thread here is applied and the image relies on what the colours are doing rather then the usual stitched lines you would get with normal embroidery. I noticed the over all result is far more spontaneous as well, as you have way less control - I really enjoy the unpredictability of spontaneous art, or having less control over an outcome which with embroidery is tricky but it’s what inspired the direction of this series.
Each work sees two hearts, or entities coming together to form one, playing with juxtaposition represented by colour :
Flowers : opposites attract
A good heart : support/jealousy.
Their first dance : complimentary /contrast.
These are my interpretations if you’re interested :
These two comma’s are an extension and sequel to last years love, series they also represent the two sides of relationship, combined they form a heart which all ties in with Valentine’s this year.
see where this is all goin? you’re doin well.
This style of machine embroidery comes from quite a sketchy experimental technique I’ve been developing where thread is stitched down rather then into the fabric - it’s dodgy as, you have to manually direct where the thread goes while its embroidering buuut if you’re careful enough to not get run over by the needle you can get this lovely flowing or running colour effect.
“Flowers” - SOLD.
Paint, Ink and Embroidery on cotton.
500 x 750mm.
There was a real excitement making this piece as its the first of this series that i made, wasn’t at all sure what i was doing but it felt right. It’s entitled Flowers to represent the excitement of new love or when a flower is about to bloom and show its true beauty, it also kind of holds the shape of a tulip.
“ A good heart “ - SOLD.
Paint, Ink and embroidery on cotton.
500 x 750mm
This was the second in the series that i made. With a bit more thought put into the colours used. The blue thread blends with the background as if the hearts losing touch with it’s reality, both sides are united and facing opposite to the temptations of jealousy (represented here by the green thread) like any solid relationship they rely on the support of each other.
- I find the song Imagining my man by Aldous Harding quite fitting.
“ Their first dance ” - SOLD.
Paint and embroidery on Cotton.
500 x 750mm
The last of the three in the series to be created. There are two ‘characters’ here: one - a shy reserved beautiful soul (pink/yellow) the other -a slightly rough around the edges with an over confident presence (orange/blue) together they're dancing and one's getting dipped, represented by the motion of falling hair and/or an overflow of emotion.
An expression of being head over heals.
Details
a playlist of music connected to the series
Making of
You can listen to an interview about the series here: (starts 28 minutes in)
The ,, exhibition was displayed at ADJØ from 11th - 27th February 2023.
