This is the first major work in the ‘Commuter Life‘ series. I stitched with variant threads for the first time. My life’s addition of long train journeys with two homes is the prelude to Train x Stitch. I feel experimentation and adjustment. I see the complexity and flaws.
Creation Process
The concept did not have a pre-design. I purchased a few types of variant threads and wanted to create one. All work in cross stitch using stranded cotton. A variant thread is a length of thread that changes colour.
Stitching started in the middle base with a straight line. After the straight line, new lines were stitched crossing over the first line and each other. Variant threads create a challenge as you need to keep the colours of the bottom and top threads aligned. The bottom thread was occasionally made into a cross. The top and bottom would swap, keeping the colours together as much as possible.
The centre vertical was completed first, followed by columns on either side. The final section was the arch around the work.
The crossing pattern was referred to as either train tracks or circuit boards. Tracks response was adopted for the name. The series follows the same approach.
Exhibition History
It was part of my solo exhibition, Life Activity, at Community Bank Darling Square Sydney in 2024. Life Activity featured 19 original works and 12 limited-edition prints.
It was sold at my solo exhibition and is part of a private collection in Sydney.
A fine art print is hanging at the Exeter General Store.
Artist artwork statement
This work is about experimenting and includes two experiments.
- Firstly, a new lifestyle with two homes, a lifestyle adjustment, and increased travel. Everything had a place. Now, there are two places; will it be in the right place when you need it? Creating value from the travel—discovering new channels to absorb information and appreciating time to stitch.
- Secondly, using variant thread, presenting an adjustment in technique to get the desired outcome.
Life is evolving. In these moments, we learn while adapting to what that new life will look like.
How to experience the artwork Commuter life is complex in your life!
The original is part of a private collection. The below can be bought online and at an open studio.
Key artwork information
- First major work in ‘Commuter Life‘ Series
- White 18 count Aida (estimate as before I was keeping good records)
- Stitching time of approximately 120 hours
- Completed over a four month duration
- A mix of stranded variant cotton were used (I haven’t recorded the types)
- The final size is 130mm wide x 270mm high
- Completed in December 2016
- The original is sold and is part of a private collection in Sydney.
[…] is the third major work in the ‘Commuter Life‘ series. The first was about the complexity of a commuter life with a long train journey and two homes. The second was when it started to feel simpler, but it […]