Gary Dickins - The Cavalier Series 2013

getting ready for Stitched...

We're busy getting ready.... lots of work in the making....
watch this space....

Lovefest - Making day

Some examples of works being made on our collective making day from this weekend. Some intriguing and stunning work being made by Nina and Emma.

Slow textiles

 

I guess you've heard of the Slow Food Movement? Well, I'm a firm believer in the Slow Textile Movement too... Where fibre is produced with minimum ecological impact, locally and sustainably.

Here I've handspun Portland fleece - from sheep that live 2 miles from me and dyed with buttercups - gathered in a meadow near my studio. Portland sheep are a rare breed in the UK local to this area with beautiful fleece. I dyed using the solar method (helped by the beautiful weather at the moment!) and I can't wait to use the finished yarn in a bigger piece for Somerset Art Weeks.

Paint to Stitch

Sew, I became a part of the 'Stitch' group of Artists; one may well ask why a painter has a desire to stitch, well some creative types have a strong need to tell a story. This is where my story begins, puppetry and myths, magical beings and theatre are inspiration for my work. As a child I wrote stories, dressed up and played make believe; as an adult this has never left me, I have a pressing need to create with my hands, imaginary worlds. I wonder sometimes if this is escapism; but I think not, it is my desire to portray the wonder in the world, the beauty of the spirit of man and beast. I want to inspire people to bring them from darkness into the light; sometimes I want to bring joy and a smile to someones face. This I have found I can create in sculptural textile forms of creatures and people, sometimes taking on the form of puppets. My aim is to create an imaginary world of wonder in a gazebo; man and beast will unite in a harmonious world of colour and curiosity....yes, there may well be a bit of paint in there somewhere!

wolf 1 Head
Stiffened canvas, fur and threads

Wolf 1 Body in progress
Made from recycled wire, duvet, shower hose, clothing, wools and threads

Wolf 2 Beginnings of head
Recycled clothing, wire and  threads

My Inspiration - Skye, a friend's Inuit

The Wolf is an inspiration of freedom of spirit, strength of character and wisdom; the Wolf has a playful spirit, a  survivor and highly intelligent, capable of adapting to constantly changing circumstances. The Wolf has keen senses, is extremely intuitive, inquisitive and has a strong sense of devotion to it's young, mates and it's pack.

These are qualities which are of great value to man and beast alike.