crucibles - stitched vessels

Who knew that my decision to make vessels for an exhibition would morph into lockdown art? Not me!

And yet that is what it has become. A simple idea in response to a theme of ‘layers’ now chronicles my daily journey of trying to make sense of a worldwide crisis.

Fragility and strength wwere the 2 words that ccame to mind while I worked. As I trapped layers of eco dyed scrap materials between a stabiliser that ultimately dissolves, never to be seen again, I unconsciously made visual the cycle of loss, fragmentation and the threads that somehow hold us together.

In the process, I retrieved the disparate materials I discarded after completing other artworks, and I put them together again.

The vessels became more random and less planned, reflecting the impossibility of my being able to control daily events beyond daily routine.

Fragments, scribbled stitch, odd shapes, dark lines, the seepage of light through the gaps - I began to realise what it all meant.

They are lost maps, fragile crucibles, the intangible becoming tangible. And I had no idea where this journey would lead me.

Eco dyed/printed fabric, paper, lace and yarn scraps; leftover thread snipping; machine stitched.

Size (each): approximately 5-6 inches in diameter, variable (12-14 cm)

Note: I also shared my process via my blog; check it out!