This is the first major work in the ‘Being pulled and folded‘ series. It holds a special place in my heart as the last piece in a group about processing my grandpa’s death. It shows the positivity you feel again and your life is full of activity.
Creation Process
The concept is from two samplers I’d stitched. I wanted to explore the approach with a bigger work. No sketching or further design was undertaken. All work in cross stitch using stranded cotton and some satin embroidery floss.
Stitching started from bottom right and up the side with 14 shades of yellow representing happiness, joy, and energy. The second colour run is across the middle with 9 shades of green representing fresh starts and new beginnings.
The centre base has an earthy warmth of 14 shades of brown. The calmness and trust for the future of blue started to fill out from the yellow feature.
The last section at the top combines the fresh start of the green and action energy of red. The decorative arch keeps the movement alive.
Exhibition History
Included in a self-presented exhibition and concert, Textured in 2016 at Mosman Art Gallery Grand Hall. The sold-out ticketed concert featured a not-for-sale exhibition of seven of my works. I asked musicians to select the music they connected to the artwork I had selected for them. The electric viola da gamba band, Elysian Fields performed: At Carna by Matt McMahon, For Thomas Wyatt by Matt McMahon, Dark Dreaming by Siebe Pogson.
It was part of Wollongong’s First Floor Program, January 2016 show. The 10th and last Jayne Wilson Memorial Art Competition and Exhibition had the theme of Whole.
This work is part of my collection and can be viewed when I open my studio.
Artist artwork statement
This work is about when there is too much good stuff in your life. You feel like you’re squeezed tight in a hug and stretched to do everything and be everywhere.
When you consider your whole life, there is a constant pull between the different parts. When you’re in the moment of part of your life, you wish you had more time there. Another part of your life is demanding your attention.
Life is good. You’re squeezed tight in a hug of activity and stretched doing everything.
How to experience the artwork BEING PULLED in your life!
Attend an open studio to see it as part of my collection or you can buy from below.
Key artwork information
- First major work in ‘Being pulled and folded‘ Series
- White 18 count Aida (estimate as before I was keeping good records)
- Stitching time of approximately 200 hours
- Completed over a two month duration
- There were 75 colours of stranded cotton used
- The final size is 215mm wide x 275mm high
- Completed in October 2015
- The original is not for sale and is part of my private collection.
