The annual show at Alexandra Palace is one not to be missed for stitching and knitting afficionados. I went on Wednesday 7 October, the first day of the show opening, queueing up to get in as the doors opened. The greatest pleasure of the show is being able to speak with the artists exhibiting their work - and I was not disappointed.
Amanda Clayton and Viven Prideaux's installation of beautifully dyed pieces and sheers was made in response to the poem by RS Thomas "The Other". The translucent hangings and stitched books were particularly attractive.
Stella Harding's exhibition of forms used basketry techniques to transform discarded and recycled materials into geometric forms displayed to show their shapes, which were highlighted by their own shadows.
Michala Gyetvai's "Enchanted Landscapes", large pieces on felted and stitched blankets invoked the atmosphere of mysterious and magical places, the stuff of fairy tales. Although not permitted, these pieces were crying out to be stroked...
The SAQA exhibition, "Food for Thought", examines the role of food in daily life. And Kate Jenkin's wonderful "The Stitchmongers", with its display of knitted, crocheted and sequined seafood made every visitor smile with pleasure.
New Zealand Contemporary Textile Art was a large showcase of artwork with a range of techniques, themes and sizes, reflecting the diverse cultures of New Zealand.
"The Fiber Lands" by DAMSS Fibreart greets the visitor on entering the show - the large display stretches for several yards and is composed of individual panels to make up the whole. Based on the cliffs of Ligura, the visitor has a rather vertiginous bird's eye view of the coastline and sea. You are left with the feeling that you are there.
Amanda Clayton and Viven Prideaux's installation of beautifully dyed pieces and sheers was made in response to the poem by RS Thomas "The Other". The translucent hangings and stitched books were particularly attractive.
Stella Harding's exhibition of forms used basketry techniques to transform discarded and recycled materials into geometric forms displayed to show their shapes, which were highlighted by their own shadows.
Michala Gyetvai's "Enchanted Landscapes", large pieces on felted and stitched blankets invoked the atmosphere of mysterious and magical places, the stuff of fairy tales. Although not permitted, these pieces were crying out to be stroked...
The SAQA exhibition, "Food for Thought", examines the role of food in daily life. And Kate Jenkin's wonderful "The Stitchmongers", with its display of knitted, crocheted and sequined seafood made every visitor smile with pleasure.
New Zealand Contemporary Textile Art was a large showcase of artwork with a range of techniques, themes and sizes, reflecting the diverse cultures of New Zealand.
"The Fiber Lands" by DAMSS Fibreart greets the visitor on entering the show - the large display stretches for several yards and is composed of individual panels to make up the whole. Based on the cliffs of Ligura, the visitor has a rather vertiginous bird's eye view of the coastline and sea. You are left with the feeling that you are there.
