Embroiderers Guild

Shape and form

24 April 2018

As you may know, I sometimes have little 'creative outings' in Milton Keynes under the umbrella of Mix3d Stitch. We have had some very successful shows - notably 'Transformation' which we hung in the Gallery at Christ the Cornerstone Church in central Milton Keynes.

My Mix3d Stitch colleagues, Jane Charles and Yvonne Elliott, recently curated another exhibition at the gallery and some of the work was so stunning I thought you might enjoy a little wander round the exhibits.

The theme was 'Shape and Form' - using architecture and the built environment for inspiration. Running alongside there was also work from the local Embroiderers Guild members called 'Under My Feet' - and the two worked beautifully together.

Here is a selection that caught my eye.

First up, from one of the Embroiderers Guild members is 'Puddle on a field path' by Elsie Probert which won the 'Julia Caprara award for Colour.'

Next is 'Turkish Ruins' by Hilary Hollis. This was one of the 'Shape and Form' entries.

And next, a few pieces I was very taken with. Again these were in 'Shape and Form'.

These are the 'Chimneys of Oxburgh Hall' by Ann Cooke. And, safe to say, I was smitten by these.

And Ann also had a small sketch book on display.

I cannot tell you how much I loved these. I just love 3d interpretations in stitch.

Ann had also submitted a few more traditional/conventional pieces (well, I suppose not so conventional. I think what I mean is that they are in 2D) including the piece below - a stunning interpretation of old stained glass- called Old Stained Glass.

And this piece, inspired by Coventry Cathedral.

Meanwhile, back with the embroidery.

This piece was called 'Mind Your Step' by Su Arlington. This was another winner. In this case the Constance Howard award for Most Outstanding Piece.

Next, another stunning piece from the Embroiderers Guild.

This is 'Dungeness Beach by Jean Chisholm. This won the Val Campbell-Harding award for Machine Embroidery.

Back to Shape and Form.

The little concertina book and the panel below, inspired by stained glass, are by Jane Charles.

And Jane also did these 'blocks' inspired by Milton Keynes (yes, it really does have a windmill).

Below, Guiding Lights by Linda Wilkes.

Cross over by Nicola Saunderson. This was a silk painting - a new technique for Nicola who usually uses pen and pencil.

And finally, 'Dreaming Cupolas' by Yvonne Elliott.

The exhibition runs until the end of April and, if you are in Central MK, it is worth popping in.

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Hemmed In 3: The Long Gallery

15 December 2012

This is the final gallery at MK Gallery - this one curated by Mr X Stitch.

This is the gallery that truly embraces the word 'beyond' - in every sense.

Spirals are Free - Essay on Huntertwasser 2012 by Cheryl Montgomery

Detail of Spirals are Free

City Streets by Rosie James 2012 (UK)

Come Back to the 5 and Dime 2011 - by Lucky Jackson (Canada)

Night knife 2012 by Ben Venom (USA)

Hellfire by Karen Grenfell 2012 (UK)

Blue Door 2008 by Sarah Greaves (UK)

Detail from Playground 2008

Playground 2008 and Welcome to the Real World 2011 by Tilleke Schwarz (Netherlands)

Gold Rhino and Saola 2011 (needlefelted) by Zoe Williams (USA)

Bath Tub 2011 by Sarah Greaves (UK)

Un-homely furnishings - Side Table 2012 by Cate Hursthouse (UK)

healing sutras by Erin Endicott 2011-12 (USA)

Detail from Healing Sutras

Loot 4 and Loot 5 (below) by Erin Riley (USA)

Flat Glen by Luke Haynes (USA)

Detail from Way of Roses

Way of Roses by Severija Incirauskaite-Kriauneviciene 2007 (Lithuania)

Circle of Life by Spike Dennis 2012 (UK)

Women Rise Up 2011 by Penny Nickels (USA)

2 sides to the Story by Joetta Maue (USA)

Rock n Roll Outlaws 2012 by Bridgeen Gillespie (UK)

Whitby Abbey at Sunset by Mr X Stitch

The Hog and The Horse by Hagar Vardimon (Netherlands)

Losses by Kirsty Whitlock (UK) 2009-10

White Faced Girl by Jessica Wohl (USA)

Over the last few blog entries I have managed to capture most of the pieces being exhibited. Some items did not photographs so well.

My apologies to all artists whose work I have omitted. This is not a commentary on your art, rather on my photographics skills.

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Hemmed In 2: The Middle Gallery

Here are some more photographs from the Hemmed In exhibition at Milton Keynes gallery. This gallery focuses on work by the MK Branch of the guild or artists selected by the guild.

Linda Miller - Eight Inch Square 2012