OF FIBRE AND LIFE... Bits and pieces of cloth sewn or glued together curtain the world. Bits and pieces of knowledge skillfully intertwined make up the study of history. Every civilization has this tradition of squirreling away precious fragments untill they are needed to create a whole. Works of art,especially in the 20th century are often nothing more than ordered fragmentations- with each fragment carrying it's own cultural load.
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Song of the Shirt: Chemise Vests
Here is a beautiful fragment of a late 19th century camisole or corset cover...the broderie anglaise around the neckline has all be worked by hand, as has the tiny insert at the centre...it was just a fragment, with mends and tatters I wanted to show the beauty of it...display it as a precious fragment of someone else's life, long before mine began;it would probably have been worn by a lady of means.
My intention.....on adding my own embroidery, lace and mother of pearl ornamentation,is to draw attention to the piece, hoping that all the work will blend together as one. Also, the amount of time that I have spent on the stitching I feel honours the amount of time already spent on it so long ago.
It seemed right to mount it on a wonderfully soft piece of the vintage shirting from the quilt, a shirt and then quilt which undoubtedly came from a poorer home...the contrasting lives of several people joined together and celebrated in a new object of beauty, but also one that I hope will "speak" and provoke thought.
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7 comments:
I think this is so beautiful Ellen, I love the embroidery on it and the way a once loved but worn away item has found its place in the world again assisted by your delicate work. You both inspire and enchant thank you for sharing your lovely work.
Hugs Lynn xx
Absolutely beautiful! Love your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Ellen
Are you free on Wednesday morning?
~ Julie
Hello Julie....yes, I can be, as I was only going to the studio, and I can do that on Thursday...what did you have in mind?
Thank you Deb...I love hearing from people!
Lovely piece :-)
Thank you Traveller :o) x
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