Proving popular @ 'Of word and stitch'

Leaf, 36 x 20 cm. Unframed

This 3D leaf is a piece of handmade rolled wet felt with machine stitching and tiny amounts of metallic fabric paint. It is proving irresistible everyone touches it...and yes there is a sign asking them no to. But I did leave it unframed so people could see the texture and visceral succulence of the felted and stitched leaf. It's price €150.

More grows in the garden then the gardener sows. 25 x 33cm 

Yesterday I over heard two people describing this as 'Magnificent', a lovely compliment. It is a piece that is proving popular perhaps because of its visual complexity. The fleece and silk laps were built up in layers adding depth, then using fragments of fabric, threads and fancy yarn a layer of complexity to evoke the feeling and pictorial sense of a garden was added this piece was hand felted for the addition of stitching and beading.The last layer of hand stitching, beading and free hand machine stitching adds lovely detail and brings the piece together. I had shown this piece during some of my felt talks and training sessions and it was a popular piece before the last layer was added. Now framed it is truly finished and waiting to be sold priced €300.

During any exhibition it is amazing to watch what people are drawn to and to listen. How others respond to the work especially when they do not see a person standing in the space or they do not consider that person to be associated with the work. Fascinating!
It is also really nice to share with people how the work is made, handmade felt is still not very familiar to people. The contemporary textiles I make are still unusual and some of the techniques I use are often new to people. Being there to offer more information leads to all sorts of insights, conversations, memories, snippets of cultural reflection and sharing of information. Which is a significant part of the reason I make art.

Have you been to the exhibition? What did you enjoy? What would you by to hang on your wall and live with?

Looking forward to being in situ at the exhibition this afternoon in the Irish National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig Wexford as part of the Wexford Fringe 2011. You can read more about the exhibition and see other images here.