A Stitch in Time
Captured initially in observed sketches, ‘A stitch in time I’ forms part of a series of works created in 2020, following the relaxation of level 5 and 4 lockdown rules in South Africa. Legislation prevented people leaving their residence and later limited outdoor activity to between 6 and 9 am, within a 5 km radius. The extended freedoms of Level 3 allowed the artist to rediscover the mountain paths, previously walked daily with her dog just a few kilometers from their home. Sketching up close what she saw in nature – the waterfalls, now visible due to the seasonal change and whose beauty had previously been hidden by years of drought.
Appreciating the freedom and power of movement, combined with an interest in light, line and the almost magical temporary nature of these waterfalls, ‘A Stitch in Time I’ extracts and abstracts from visual memory and observational drawing the juxtaposition between strength and fragility in nature. For this work it is the external surround which factors as the protective casing for this artefact.
One location, yet an ever changing landscape that carries the marks and scars of time caused by wildfire, drought, flooding and general weathered erosion. Seemingly unremarkable in one moment, transformed in the next through natures make-up into a show stopping, photograph inspiring vision of beauty and awe.
Holding a comparable metaphor with life during the Covid 19 era. The work comprises of a ceramic ground both rigid yet delicate and the vibrant coloured cotton thread, pliable and strong.
Climbing high into the mountains to reach a dozen or more waterfalls to draw. Many of these were visited numerous times.
Light, line and movement are the focus of the drawings. A moment of reflection at each location enables the intuitive colour selection that best represents the energy and magnificence of the time and place.
The ceramic bases are made by hand. One fired in the kiln they are sanded and each hole is them refined one by one, a delicate process – too much pressure and the piece will crack, but enough to create a smooth hole for on embroidery needle to work though.
The pieces draw deeply from observation and each one also references a drawing made au plein air, the fibre lines are then intuitively made to mark the flow and movement of the water against the contrasting light and shade of the mountain rocks.
In February 2020 this series was chosen by the Rupert Museum to join a group exhibition at the Jan Rupert Art Centre in Graff-Reinet, South Africa.
Where does the strength and power lie in nature?
What is the force behind human life and our cultures of existence?
