Small Pieces

These small works are all rather quirky and mostly fun, although deceptively difficult in the making. Sewing heavy objects such as stones and computer parts securely to a flat textile background is a challenge. This involved drilling small holes unobtrusively into the pieces. Likewise, sewing plastic 'bubbles' and miniature fashion garments onto fabric presents similar difficulties. The 1950's fashion collection represents some of what was happening within that era and is suggested in the colours, patterns and shapes. Enjoy the diversity of this small collection.

Sea Scene

Found stones, shells and coral on painted silk, with embroidery

The large stone in this piece and the matching stone ring were found on a beach. A fish and a bubble? They were both anchored securely to the background by drilling holes and sewing onto painted silk stretched over sturdy card. Embroidery mimics some of the textures and patterns on the stone, shell and coral and the silk painting makes this an unmistakable sea scene.

Frame 41 x 36 x 2 thick x 5 deep cm - mounted on board

The Only Thing Growing Around Here

Plastic bags sewn onto fabric, leaves and embroidery

This piece was created for a miniature textile exhibition called 'Bubble'. The plastic 'bubbles' represent plastics found in the forest; easily spotted due to the bright colours and shiny textures. The plastic growth is rather like the growth of mushrooms and fungus and is meant to evoke a sense of unease in the viewer.

25 x 23 x 2cm - unmounted and unframed

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Only Connect

Computer parts, wire and embroidery on fabric and cardboard

The markings on computer parts are sleek and precise. Here, the different components have been arranged to form the orderly design, connected with embroidered lines, drawing the eye from one to the other. Seemingly ordinary? The main challenge was in the anchoring of the parts to the background. Some of the parts had small holes drilled into them, whilst others were secured by thin gold, or black thread. Precision was of absolute importance as the eye can easily detect the smallest of imperfection.

Frame 34 x 29 x 2 thick x 3 deep cm - mounted on board

All Different

Silk painting, appliqué and embroidery on hessian

By focusing on different features, contours and textures, the intricate beauty to be seen in a tiny spider are being showcased. All are different with beautiful shapes, patterns and colours. The small silk squares force the viewer to examine the detail and admire the complexities of each spider.

Frame 36 x 36 x 2 thick x 3 deep cm - mounted on board

Still Life with Plastic

Plastic bags, appliqué and embroidery on painted fabric and board

This work features embroidery on carefully selected individual pieces cut from plastic bags. Each item presented a different challenge, from showing the checked tablecloth in perspective, to the intricate detail seen on the orange and shells. The pieces were sewn onto painted fabric and stretched over board.

Frame 34 x 34 x 3 thick x 5 deep cm - mounted on board

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Dotty 1 and 2

Dress with hand pleated skirt, ric-rac braid and beads on dotted fabric, stretched over board

These two pieces are fun and lively representing the freedom of lesiure that the youth in America in the 1950's and 60's were enjoying. This was a period of prosperity, of shiny gadgets and new opportunities without the dull restraints of wartime.

Frame 50 x 50 x 1.5 thick x 6 deep cm - mounted on board

New Look Elegance

Hand pleated dress on hand printed fabric, on fabric stretched over board

The motifs on the repeat pattern here were inspired by new gadgets and appliances that were part of the 'American Dream' in the 1950's. These shapes appeared in many other areas of design, from cars, toys and kitchenware, to space age rocket design.

Frame 50 x 50 x 1.5 thick x 6 deep cm - mounted on board

At the Diner

Hand painted silk dress, with beads on hand painted fabric, stretched over board

The gleam of a shiny waxed floor, a silken gown and shiny beads; what glamour at the Diner! A meeting place for the young reveling in a kind of innocent hedonism.

Frame 50 x 50 x 1.5 thick x 6 deep cm - mounted on board

Art by Design