I am a mixed media artist. This semester I had to give a student led seminar and workshop. The subject I choose was the “Art within Quilts’. While researching this topic, it rekindled in me my love of fabric as a creative material. The reaction I experienced from my tutors, and fellow Art students encouraged me, it made me realise that not only do I have a love of textiles, but I also have the technical skills needed for my Graduation show artwork.
I mainly used hand stitching as a method in the making of my panels. Just as life evolves overtime the slow motion of sewing allows me to experiment with ideas as I find my own artistic interpretation and perspective. Observation coupled with my emotional involvement and technical skill, acts as the driving force behind my artwork.
Suntas
Dimensions ~ 112cm by 1200cm
Materials ~ Cotton fabric, copper piping and steel wire (5mm)
This textile panel is a form of subversive protest. It is my way of trying to reclaim work that is usually classified as “Domestic”. I looked at the examples of historical protest movements and their coming together for a cause. They were often looked upon as merely a "Woman's sewing circle”. The slogans were being created unseen but in ‘plain sight’. It is a subversive way in safe surroundings to form a movement demanding change of “Status Quo”.
My panel is based on examples of demands, messages, and slogans used by different movements through the ages. This Atrium Panel is a play on Keith Haring’s “Act Up for Life”, an artwork he created in 1989 to help fund the continuation of the Aids Memorial Quilt. I’ve changed it to “ART UP”, as a non-violent response to injustices and war.
