Threads of Identity

I have really enjoyed creating a series of sculptures in collaboration with Piers Edsall, it has been fun working with some one whose medium (metal and woodwoork) is such a textural contrast to my soft vibrant yarn work. We also have oppposing outlooks, on first glance I have a considerably sunnier disposition while Pierss tends to appear more nihalistic. However deeper under the surface our ideologies align, making us a great creative duo. We wantd to create a collection of work that was accesssible and inclusive while remaining thought provoking and inspiring. For me, the idea of these sculptures comes from the way people identify themselves (and have done for centuries) using nationality flags, tartans, fishers knitted cable patterns, ceremonial robes, banners, football strips and all other manner of fabric that unite humans in a strong sense of identity. As a society we are doing this even more, with gender identity and sexuality now also becoming associated with colours and the gathering symbolism of the Pride flag. This can be summed up by the phrase "Wearing your heart on your sleeve" which again gives a sense that there is power in the cloth you shoose to adorn yourself with. Although I understand that using labels for some people creates unity and validation, they can also definitely be used to creatie division and encourage intersectionalism. Intead of trying to replicate existing flags, I have wrapped metal armatuers in all colours that represent the diversity of human nature and how it is important that we interweave ourselves. I like the idea that each strand of thread is relying on the one next to it for support and all of them are relying on the structure. In this series we have created four archways of slightly varying size and shape. These have been created from upcycled trampoline frames and tentpoles that are wrapped in long lengths of mulitcouloured knitting, spanning up to 15m in length, made as continuous strips on the knitting machine. We decided to use the arch shape as it is a universal symbol for entranceways or celebratory finish lines. We wanted to create shapes that encouraged inclusivity and a sense of community. This seems to have worked quite successfully as on their first outings they have become a fantastic frame for photo opportunities. Obviously photography is an art within its own right, so to create a sculpture that people could intereact with and create their own art from, acheived exactly what we hoped.

Other pieces include human figures in various poses. The first is a genderless figure stretching their arms (which are slightly out of proportion) but is a welcoming stance, wrapped in various colours of yarn. The size and the colours used make it a really big visual impact piece. We are also creating an ongoing collection of yarn wrapped gymnasts that can be hung and placed in all manor of positions. We intend to put these in various setting including swinging from trees, under bridges and climbing on structures. With these sculptures we are hoping to remind people that no matter how you identify, we are all part of the same environments and are all united by our need to be seen and our need for play.

Knit and Stitch Show

Thrilled to be exhibiting with Manchester School of Art at the Knit and Stitch Show alongside my fellow graduates and tutors including Georgia Heaton, Charlotte Darby, Lynn Setterington, Jane McKeating and Alice Kettle. 

Alice Kettle

Charlotte Derby

Georgia Heaton

 

I love the buzz of the Knit and Stitch Show, there is something unmistakenly feminist about it. Although there are pleny of male artist/makers and supportive partners here, there just feels like an undeniable sense of lifting up and celebrating traditionally feminine crafts. A lot of the vistors appear to be matriarchs with two generations in tow, all excited and interested by the colours and fabrics. 

This perhaps has been punctuated by the fact my own step-grandma, mother and godmother have all been to visit our stand so far. 

A snap of my favourite stand, there's something very texturally satisfying about edging, it often has a slightly more 3D, playful structure as well as offering an array of bright colours. Sumptuously inspiring to my eclectic minds eye...