Precarious Waters

ARTIST’S STATEMENT:

Environmental concerns are an important part of my work. I incorporate recycled materials wherever possible to highlight environmental issues, and sometimes use fabric-burning techniques to represent the damage caused to our environment.

Living in South Africa, I am particularly aware of the pressure on our limited water resources. Pollution of our waterways and a lack of adequate action to address these problems are serious concerns. Through my textile art, I aim to combine traditional textile techniques with a more contemporary approach, using fabric, thread and design to explore these issues and encourage greater awareness of the need to protect our environment.

TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION

I created the central section of the artwork using synthetic fabrics and digitally printed chiffon. The free-motion embroidery was done on my sewing machine using 100% cotton thread. This technique involves moving the fabric freely under the needle to create the patterns and textures.

The quilt consists of two separate sections, initially joined using water-soluble stabiliser. Once the stitching was complete, I washed away the stabiliser, leaving the open space between the two sections as an intentional part of the design.