Maxine Sutton@maxine_sutton
I love the idea of the workshop household described by Mark Rosenthal, and believe in the importance of our interaction with materials, texture, pattern, and the handmade. Recent research evoked memories of home and childhood. Decorative patterns on wallpapers and fabrics reminded me how important patterns were to me as a child, providing endless starting points for day dreams and imaginative, sometimes fearful, scenarios. I remembered how the familiar furniture and objects in my grandparent’s houses and my own acted as an assortment of scenery and props for games and stories to be built around.
The home-made object, creates another layer of significance and forms a part of personal and family narratives, making links and connections through generations.
My work continues to explore the interplay between screen-printed and embroidered textures, colour, mark, drawn and stitched lines. Recently playing with imagery and ideas springing from our relationship with familiar domestic objects, everyday pastimes, the meaning of ‘home’ and home-making activities. Abstract and semi-figurative forms combined with pattern and texture present an ambiguous and sometimes absurd narrative.
Using Irish machine, and hand embroidery the work employs a combination of traditional techniques, such as applique, patchwork, needle-punch and screen print. Forms, are hand drawn, paper cut, found or photographic; layered and collaged with abstract and semi figurative appliquéd, needle-punched and printed imagery. Embroidered lines and richly embroidered areas create further layers of texture and tension.
Sustainability is a priority, materials a mixture of natural organics such as cotton, hemp, linen and wool combined with found/recycled/vintage materials. Embroidered elements use plant dyed wool yarn, cotton, alpaca, silk and linen.