Friday, March 10, 2017

The next big project

It's not the beginning, because apart from the idea, the making started with the lino prints.  But now I have 25 pieces of printed fabric to begin the stitching.  There was a little remedial work, which I've described in my work blog, and now I'm making decisions about thread colours - before embarking on the Grand Projet
Is it a kind of madness which has me hooked on hand stitching?  I've designed a whole made up of 5 x 5 pieces sized approximately 38x33cm (15x13"), each filled with hand stitching in fine silk.  The fabric is cotton lawn which at least will be easier on my fingers.  I will also be stitching other projects for a change of scene - and at some point trying out printing with my otherwise redundant pasta machine (see Jac's blog for a brilliant idea).  So, will I have finished Soliloquy (the project pictured) before next Spring - I wonder.

4 comments:

  1. Hand stitching is a powerful way to communicate thoughtfulness, silence, and time. I feel that it makes art that can actually touch other people so that they can in turn get in touch with their emotions and memories and inner thoughts.
    When I see conceptually strong piece of art executed with hand stitchuing, I am moved beyond measure.
    I like paintings too - and yes, they are perhaps more immediate and intuitive, but hand stitched marks win out for me if there is to be a contest.

    So no, I don't think you are mad.
    And yes, you will be done in a year.
    xo

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    1. Judy, thanks for that confirmation. Yes, hand stitching certainly has a powerful draw for me. Indeed, when I painted in the past I used to draw in forms of stitching or weaving. There is something about the meditative repetition which brings me nourishment.

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  2. When the fabric makes the stitching easy (or even better, pleasant), all will go well! It will "stitch itself"...

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    1. You are quite right, Margaret. The cotton lawn is a dream to stitch.

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