Using Language in Textile Art is a powerful tool indeed. Embroidered text allows you to capture the essence of a subject, providing an emotional layering, insight into personal and imagined experiences to which the viewer can relate. Snippets of text creates ”a rich and vibrant tapestry” (‘Reducing Us to Simply a Heartbeat’) within panels of patchwork and applique.
Embroidering in silk threads and wool provides additional texture, colour and a natural rhythm to the surface. Letters do not have to be perfect. I celebrate imperfection, striving to attain a child-like simplicity and freedom within the written word.
Language in Textile Art: Expressing Trauma
Are You Ready For Adventure?
PXLCRS 
PyroDogPins 
SewModStitches 
Stitchsperation 
The Makers Marks 
Tiny Modernist 
Tom Katsumi 
Climbing Goat Designs 
Doodlecraft Designs 
FiddlesticksAU 
Kate Spiridonova 
Lord Libidan 
Marina Bolmini 
Mr X Stitch 
Peacock & Fig
No matter if you like the great outdoors or you’re a staycation fan, there’s something in this issue that will set you forth on a stitching saga!
The cancer series conveys the physical brutality of surgery: ”Carve me up, cut it out and send me on my way…Imperfection guaranteed… I shall always fear the sight of me, my frail and frightened breast.”
With an emotional aftermath of fragility and post traumatic stress: ”Insecure, the ugliness implores how perfect you must have been before…Am I sexy now?”
Language in Textile Art: Expressing Abuse
‘Mists of Time’ evokes a fragmented ego, damaged by an overpowering relationship: ”I really must stop, catch myself falling back into…you. Before you ripped me apart, absorbing my torment, turning me into your sport. I cannot recall when the mists rolled in, vacuous and blind, overpowering and unkind…”
‘The Essence of Our Being’ is a love of fragile proportions, a roller coaster of psychological abuse: ”My weaknesses you did delight in. Ammunition for your games. You removed my armour, bit by bit, and crept into the folds…How I miss your tender heart. The way you opened up and let me climb inside. I was always so careful not to tear apart your fragile walls…”
Language in Textile Art: Expressing Loss
‘Grace’ captures the emptiness of a parent haunted by the death of a child, unable to move on: ”A gentle waterfall caresses the windowpane and your tiny baby footsteps pitter-patter, pitter-patter, swelling my heart with joy again…Your laughter still bounces off the walls today.”
And ‘Cocktails at Nine’ demonstrates the urge to escape an ordered life of routine and commitment: ”To put aside all that I am and let the craving engulf my very being…Just this one time.”
For detailed poetry and text please visit The Womanhood Collection by Christine Cunningham.
