Experiments

I took the plunge and started experimenting with materials I already have.

I found a rhythm, trying a little each week helped me experiment which words I wanted to embroider and which ones I preferred to leave out. Hand embroidery takes time, so I’ve been mindful of reducing the number of words to keep the process manageable.

I wanted to explore the themes of hidden and unhidden, so I used white thread on white fabric. At first glance, it’s less visible, requiring the audience to come closer to see the details.

In July, I attended a day course on collage led by Mixed Media Artist Sue Pickering at the RWA. I set out to create collages that were colourful, bold and fun. I began with small-scale, square collages, which I enjoyed. I appreciated that I didn’t have to overthink composition. It felt freeing to simply stick things down without pressure. A call and response, you put one piece of paper down in your collage, then the next comes, like a domino effect.

During the process, I experimented with opacity, playing with words upside down, layering tissue paper on top, creasing tissue paper, and scrunching tissue paper into a three dimensional texture. Do I love everything I made? No, but I’ve started to incorporate ideas from these experiments into my embroidery experiments, such as flipping words or creating layered effects.

One of the beautiful things about collage is its reversibility, you can cut everything up and reuse it. When I presented my work to the class, I mentioned that my journal entries behind the tissue paper weren’t entirely visible, and I wasn’t sure whether I wanted them to be so hidden. Sue pointed out that, even if the audience can’t see them clearly, I know what’s there. The meaning can also reside in the audience’s interpretation of the work.

In July, I attended a freehand machine embroidery half-day course. I had no prior sewing machine experience. My idea going into the course was to create a pillow with one side featuring text and the other illustrating visuals, like brain waves or neural pathways. Experimented in sewing on water-soluble fabric, but it quite work out as planned. Sewing machines can be quite intimidating, the needle especially - I was the only one to snap a needle during the session. I have decided not to use a sewing machine for the art I want to create. I initially thought it would save time, but since I’ve never used a sewing machine before and don’t have the skilled technique for sewing words, I will be doing it by hand instead.

I’ve realised that I was trying to add visuals that don’t necessarily complement my original idea, because I felt my idea was too simple. There’s something poignant about a process that requires time and care and a few pillows devotionally stitched pillowcases is enough, and that simplicity itself can carry a powerful message. Once I have embroidered all the pillowcases with words, I can then decide if I am happy with the message or if I want to incorporate something else.

Creating art often involves giving yourself permission to start, and sometimes gentle encouragement from others is all you need to take that first step.

Thanks for reading, if you have any comments or feedback, please feel free to share.