about my new exhibition, 'Of word and stitch'

work in the studio before it was sent to framers and mounted

‘Of Word and stitch’ is a collection of work from 2007 till today that explores the evolving stitch and written word in my personal work through painting and handmade textiles.
I've long had a curiosity about the use of rare breed sheep fleece in hand made felt. I use felt as another medium for painting. The addition of machine stitching builds on my fascination to explore the written word in my images. Hand stitching is mainly used for beading work and fine detail. Layering in my work is not new it just has become more obvious, I have gained a certain amount of confidence to push forward my words within the work.
In fact this exhibition seems to provide clarity of meaning to earlier abstract painted works through photo-graphics, felt making and stitching.
When I paint I write first, journalling into painting, writing with pencil first on the paper or canvas is my in. I like how I am finding ways to show the layers of my writing within and on top of my work. In the same way my photography is reasserting itself as a visual element in making work.

a poem I wrote now free hand machine stitched

I feel there is another step which is brimming where my writing, felting, photography and stitch will combine further and is evolving right now.This exhibition builds on a successful commission earlier this year with a community in Waterford called ‘threaded stories’. I devised the mural commission into a participatory arts project culminating in three pieces of work. The project collected stories and memories of 25 years social history at St. Brigid’s Family Resource Centre. The words were then stitched by community, staff and board members on to fabric which I wove together into a St. Brigid's Cross.
Having access to a Janome sewing machine of a very high calibre meant that something changed in my approach to stitching and embellishing the textiles. Having studied typography in college making freehand machine stitching text was quite fluid and I can see many more applications for the technology meeting felt and fabric.

"When you are inspired by some great purpose"
Roisin Markham 2011

detail of "more grows in the garden then the gardener sows"
Roisin Markham 2011

 The element of fabric, stitch and wool acknowledges the traditional role these materials had in Irish families and our society in farming and industry. Making family clothes circa 1940 – 1990 were significant parts of the role and skill of mothers in particular my Mother and maternal Grandmother, who were very active makers. I recognise their influence on my work in particular my mothers ability to teach and share the skills she had learned within different communities.

In ‘Of word and stitch’ sheep fleece, fabric and stitch are an expression of the contemporary practices in making, craft and creative expression. The synergy between these old traditions and exhibiting at the Irish National Heritage Park is noted.