art work

Structure series

The idea I had for the project was to explore different forms of, and ways to, construct textiles. My research had four main sections; embroidery, lace making, weaving and knitting. I was especially interested in the technical instructions and diagrams that exist for these craft forms. I explored various techniques including photocopying, drawing, digital techniques and Photoshop, hand weaving, printing and embroidery. I experimented with layering images digitally and also physically with different materials, printing onto different fabrics, papers and plastics. I’ve recently updated this series with hand embroidery layered over the prints combining the digital processes with hand crafted elements.

Balearic series

This series came from photos of Menorca taken on a summer holiday. Reworking a photograph of some found graffiti through manipulating and layering. The images were repeated, overlaid and the colours experimented with. These digital designs were printed onto cotton and silk. I’ve since revisited this work by incorporating hand stitching and embroidery.

embroidery alphabet

This work explores visual possibilities of line, pattern and scale through method and process. The initial imagery comes from a sheet of embroidery transfers from a Woman’s Own magazine given to me by my grandmother when I was a child. My interest in textiles came from my grandmother and my creative practice has been intrinsically linked to that relationship. The themes here are both personal to me and connect more widely with ideas relating to the broader area of crafts, culture and social history.

Emotions

I have worked with layers of imagery and materials to symbolise the layering and sometimes complicated and untidy construction of emotions. I explored the idea of using both sides of the art work, giving an added layer and substance to the works. Vibrant coloured silks in the embroidery symbolise intertwining aspects of emotion. On a personal level, my art practice has been about rediscovering joy through the creative process. Reconnecting to parts of myself as part of my recovery process from illness. The work is created through chance and process, and added to with creative intuition and decision making.  I am interested in experimenting with the meaning and symbolism of the letter forms through using the alphabet transfers. Letters, initials and monograms can be imbued with personal meanings and attachments.

digital designs

This work is a collection of digital pattern designs. The starting point for each design is a photograph I’ve taken, often of flowers and plants in my garden. I then manipulate the image through a process of repeating and repeating until patterns form.

Many of these designs are available as digitally printed fabric from my store on Woven Monkey -Ames Designs . I have experimented with having these printed onto scarves, it works pretty well. Please get in touch if you would like one.

I’ve also created an Instagram page just for them, @ames__designs.