Yesterday was my first official day working in the new studio and to say I was excited was an understatement. I got up at 4am (yes 4am - what is wrong with me) and was so full of plans for the day that I got to the studio super early and threw myself into work.
Since I have known about the new studio I have been holding off finishing pieces because I didn't want any delicate work to be damaged in the move. So over the past month or so I have been sewing but not dissolving so I could store the work safely. I have never been very good at sitting on pieces, I always want to dissolve and mount them as soon as I finish them to see how they turn out. So to be able to finish seven little treasures in one day, pieces that have been patiently packed away for over a month, was quite a delight.
These little pieces are a part of my very popular range of smaller works. I can't keep enough of these little babies in stock and they sell out at most exhibitions. I often make these pieces in between my larger works, it's nice to be able to finish a piece in a few days … especially when compared to the weeks or months that the larger works can take.
After dissolving, these little pieces were carefully mounted onto boards using a unique mounting technique that I have developed. This technique makes the embroidery appear to 'float in space' and allows the work to cast spectacular shadows in the right light.
Small Ginko Circle
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
The Ginko's are one of my favourite things to sew. These delicate little leaves are so vibrant in colour and have such a unique shape that I have always been drawn to them. So naturally I wanted to try to recreate them in thread.
Small Nautilus
, embroidery thread and pins on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
I have several old nautilus shells in my collection and they are probably my most treasured natural oddity. While my interpretation of the nautilus shell's patterns is not strictly accurate I feel that it captures the essence of the shell's form and colour. This piece is mounted in a way that each strip of embroidery is curved, replicating the natural form of a nautilus shell.
Small Lace Coral
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
With most of my embroideries the thread is stitched very densely so that it will hold it's form. By doing this I know how a piece will look once it's dissolved and I can ensure I will get a quality outcome. With the lace coral piece I broke my own rules a bit and stitched with only single thickness threads for most of the piece. As a result I got a very delicate piece that (luckily) is so light that it holds it's own form beautifully.
Leaf colour study #1
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
Leaf colour study #2
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
Leaf colour study #3
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
These three leaf circles started out as colour studies for a new large piece I am developing, but they worked out so nicely that they have become little artworks of their own. I have always loved the rich colours of autumn leaves and I don't know why it has taken me so long to apply these vibrant oranges and my embroidered leaves.
Small star coral
, embroidery thread, pins and glass rods on paper, 40 x 40cm (framed)
This piece is based on the star coral's that I often see when I dive, each circle representing the polyps in the coral. While this piece is notoriously difficult to photograph clearly it is a lovely subtle play of white on white. In the right light it casts great shadows and it draws you in for a closer look, much like real coral…
Each of these little pieces sell for $450 each (framed). If you are interested in any of my small works (or any of my other work for that matter) please feel free to give me a call or bounce me an email.
As always thanks for your support
Meredith
0401 443 635
mail@meredithwoolnough.com.au