The Essence of Summertime can be captured on many levels. Intensity of heat is established through colour and texture. A dazzling light in a scattering of embellishments. Panels adorned in hand embroidered poetry conveys my own personal experiences, both as a child and adult. Panels of summer floral print evokes a sense of time and place.
Essence of Heat
A bright colour palette with rich textures creates a visual depth conveying intensity of heat. ‘Summer Swatches’, created from fabric off-cuts, uses a layered technique to further enrich surface texture and depth.
Essence of Light
Light reflective embellishments (glass and plastic beads, buttons, sequins and old jewels) bounces light around creating an ever evolving surface throughout the day in ‘Summer 1’, enriching natural textures, establishing depth. Combining colours creates a ‘pointillism’ effect, further enriching a vivid colour palette.
Essence of Summertime In Poetry
I have very fond memories of long summers spent ‘baking mud pies under summer skies…carrot tops and flowerpots…fermenting rose petals in jam jars nearby…’ ‘Teddy Bears’ Picnic’ celebrates children at play with panels of hand embroidered poetry, brightly patterned fabrics and plastic buttons evoking an age of innocence and freedom.
Essence of Summer
‘The buzzing of bees and a lazy bluebottle hum a distant tune as sunshine sparkles and glints it’s way into every single room’.
Essence In Print
Embellishing printed florals adds a sense of time and place, fond memories embodied in the recycling of clothes and soft furnishings.
I hope you have found this exploration of capturing the Essence of Summertime inspiring.
For more insight into seasonal textiles, techniques and poetry visit my website!
