More Experiments with Free-Machine Embroidery

This was an experiment in directly translating elements of my moodboard. The top portion is from a Kurt Schwitters collage, the left greens and yellows are from a Judy Buxton seascape and the white outline of the arches are inspired by John Piper. I quite like the effect of the fancy stitches  in free-motion mode - they add energy.

With this one I had fun playing with colour and density.

A fantasy archscape...or a row of tombstones?

Looking, Looking, Looking

Inspired by the simplicity of Alfred Wallis, and going back to the colours and painted effects in my moodboard. Acrylic monoprint on calico, stitched onto layers of linen with a calico backing.

I like the physical layering of this as well as the layering of techniques - both add interest to the simplicity.

As Hussein Chalayan said on Grayson Perry's programme Creativity and Imagination: "the process gives it the layers".

Playing with Print

I wanted to represent the human figure in a way that wasn't too obvious. I printed two photographs of my silhouette onto linen (using a freezer paper backing through an inkjet printer), put a sheer linen over the top and stitched over one image. I think it can still just about be seen...

The original photo is on the top right of my moodboard

Human Markings

I like the idea of multiple realities, of being able to communicate across time and between parallel space-times. I’ve been wondering how I might be able to express this idea with textiles. I’m wondering how layering different textiles would work on developing this theme. Would I use see-through material with similar but different embroidery worked on them, so that you could just see through to worlds beyond? Or would the layers be solid and only visible by lifting up a ‘portal’ through to the adjoining world? Would there be clues between layers, a trope repeated as a guide through the universe?

I am currently taking part in Janet Clare's workshop where we were encouraged to put a mood board together. Mine, above, draws inspiration from Gizella K Warburton, Nigel Peake's 'Maps' book, Judy Buxton, Kurt Schwitters , Paul Feiler and John Piper.

I will be experimenting with multiple realities and textiles over the next few months. You are welcome to join me.