A lifetime of 'Textiles'
I choose to work in 'textiles' because, for me, it provides a flexibility of expression. Together with painting, printing and other media, I can create the image I need to portray a message in my work.
Textiles have a rich history throughout human culture. From everyday simple clothes and household linens to richly embroidered ceremonial and religious garments. From nomadic felt tents and rugs to elaborately woven carpets. There is a never ending list of ways in which people have used fabric and thread through the ages. To research the history of textiles is exciting and inspiring. There is endless creativity and skill to be found in traditional techniques, crafts and art from around the world and this often provides stimulus for my own artwork.
My early life and family experiences gave me a head start in stitching! My mother taught me to stitch from a very early age. Since then I have been fascinated with cloth and thread and all that can be achieved by working with them!
Inspiration for my textile designs come from various sources such as poetry, nature, native customs or mythology. I might be influenced by the work of an artist, one of my favourites is Paul Klee. I have even used the visual aura of a migraine attack to create pattern!
Techniques I use to create my textile artworks are varied. They include weaving, felt making, stitch, beadwork, cording, smocking/pleating, rug hooking, really too many to name! The galleries and photo albums illustrate a selection of some of these techniques.
"Messages IV"
Jill
2010