I thought that once I had left teaching- paid work- I would be able to concentrate on developing my practice. All fine in theory but I failed to take into account the realities of ageing and the effect of being time rich but otherwise poor! I'm finding that everything takes so long as another function gets slower and slower.. Rather than working around family and paid work, it's whether I'm able to walk today or if my hand will actually grasp the brush/needle/scissors that I need to use. It makes for some interesting adaptations to making and finding alternative ways of working.

 

So I'm submitting some small constructions which together make a whole.  Called the Listening Pods , they were made during a self-funded residency in Spain. I anticipated responding to the vast horizon and beautiful architecture but instead became completely engrossed in the sculptural possibilities of greaseproof paper! A combination of flight luggage restrictions and a tiny living space combined with the previously mentioned financial situation led me to finding this rather wonderful material, and much of my time was spent sitting on my tiny balcony listening to the radio and stitching. These little pods appeared and seemed to have a life of their own with distinct personalities appearing. They move gently in the breeze and interact. Since returning to the UK I haven't managed to replicate or develop them. It just doesn't seem to work, but I haven't entirely given up hope.

 

This piece was temporarily abandoned in September 2004.

A hanging piece comprised of number of fragile stitched pods which hang at different levels. The hanging is adaptable to fit in an appropriate space, but need strong lighting and the movement (from the air flow in the room altered by the audience moving through) and the shadows cast by the movement are an integral part of the piece.

Paper and Stitch

25x50x6cm