Samplers 2+3: Tea Time for Love
460 x 460 each Mixed Media - Paint, dress patterns, graphite, charcoal, metallic foil 
Samplers C+E: Wear my heart on my sleeve
460 x 460 each Mixed Media - Paint, dress patterns, graphite, charcoal, metallic foil |
Samplers 17+18: Corsage
460 x 460 each Mixed Media - Paint, dress patterns, graphite, charcoal, metallic foil |
The English word 'sampler' derives from the Latin 'exemplum', or the old French term 'essamplaire', meaning 'an example'. Before the introduction of printed designs, embroiderers and lacemakers needed a way to record and reference different designs, stitches and effects.
For these pieces I've used samples of embroidery that have caught my eye, as the main focus. I want to draw attention to the motifs, and the texures of thread and cloth so as to honour the time and effort these women have put into making the various doilies, clothes and linens. I can’t help but think of the individual lives behind each set of patient fingers. Some stitchwork is better than others, possibly suggesting a diffence in age or stage of each embroiderer.
For these pieces I've used samples of embroidery that have caught my eye, as the main focus. I want to draw attention to the motifs, and the texures of thread and cloth so as to honour the time and effort these women have put into making the various doilies, clothes and linens. I can’t help but think of the individual lives behind each set of patient fingers. Some stitchwork is better than others, possibly suggesting a diffence in age or stage of each embroiderer.