expressive lines and stitches

 

Working on several different, quietly engrossing projects at the moment..... Here above you see a work-in-progress shot - you get to see how I work on my ironing board as an extra work space. You also get to see here scraps of lovely yellowed papers from books and how I have made several small monoprint drawings. I sat and made many drawings over the course of an afternoon/evening, then edited down to 'the best' that worked together to build a whole piece. 


 

 
 I wonder - mixed media collage
Here is a view of the completed collage. Machine stitch lines hold the different fragments in place. Individuals separate yet held together by a common thread..... The drawings are each experimental, often I draw without looking, figures are pared-down, abstracted, expressive.... Can I say I am really pleased with this piece. I'm working on further ideas soon...

 

 
 In contrast to the 'pared-down-ness' of the above work, this larger embroidery is intensely detailed. Many tiny faces present themselves, with three central figures taking centre stage. Infact, my working title for this one is: Shakespeare's Sisters or Nights at the Theatre.

 


 
 Here you can see I have paused stitching to take a quick in-progress shot... The figure in white wears a dress with tiers of tiny faces around the hem..... With her bonnet and frock, she reminds me a little of Grayson Perry, in a good way.... (not something I had planned).

 




 

And here is another shot, showing how colour is a strong element, or will be, when finally complete. The colour scheme for this piece is simple: black, white, a pink-red and pale blue. It's going to be a striking piece. Still got quite a way to go, but since taking these shots I have worked more and am about halfway. I'm not rushing anything, as I do not like to work that way. I find it's best to immerse myself into it for an hour and then come up for air, take some time away from the work (put the laundry on for example) and then get back to it with fresh eyes. I'm sure I am not the only person who works this way. I tend to work on stitch in the morning because for some reason I have always done it that way. Stitch in the morning and painting, drawing etc.. usually happens in the afternoon/evening.

The above are just a few of the special pieces I am working on for my shop update next week, which is most likely going to happen on Thursday 12th.