Moral Fibre

I created a series of 3 embroideries and punch needle pieces for Some Strings Attached, a solo exhibition at Paradigm Gallery in 2023.

I stitched them while in New Zealand, with my parents while my mother was in treatment for breast cancer. Initially, it started as an exploration of mixing punch-needle with embroidery and moved on to explore the ideas of home and living far away from family. The soft comfort and the symbols in the punch needle are the layers of 'home'. The three girls represent phases of living far from loved ones. The missing, longing, the presence of love, laughter, fear and the inevitable - leaving.

1/ 3 Moral Fibre

She looks directly at the viewer - she is in the moment and the connection. She is immersed in the comfort. The soft colours surround her and overlap. The comfort is a part of her here. 

2/3 Cast On, Cast Back

Looking over the shoulder, looking back, moving forward.

The symbols of family cover her in bright soft tufts. This is the idea that I will always have to leave. The patterns in a variegated pile surround her, but they are subtle, she wears the lessons and the support that comforts her confidently.

3/3 Some Strings Attached

The third in the series is bold and strong, but looks up, recalling.

🔸 Cotton, bamboo, wool and silk on Monks cloth and framed in kiaat