Starting a textile journal requires a few organizing ideas. First a theme, choosing particular materials for sewing often dictate the design. How many pages will the book have? Each page is roughly drawn on paper with pencils and colour markers to accentuate the combinations of fabrics chosen.
The basic pages have a uniform fabric and colour: Denim, silk, cotton, satin or linen. Double page spreads are cut to fit the chosen cover. Deciding on the composition of the pages is purely instinctive. As a general rule, I try to leave an open space where embroidery and decorative treasures may be added later on.
The pieces of fabric are gradually layered, pined then stitched to the pages. Hand stitching is generous since it gives me time to reflect whilst my hands repeats the rhythm of piercing and pulling. Embroidery is often added for depth and colour. The embroidery stitches are simple ones, knitting the fabrics together to form a tapestry of colours. My favorite are the French Knot, Line and Bullion stitches.
All cut up pieces of material are used, even tiny pieces are saved. Vintage textiles, buttons, beads, ribbons, crests and wool are collected and used. My experience with screen printing enables me to understand the process of overlaying and the usage of colour blocks.
The final task is to sew the book together. This is done through the fabric in the middle of the double page spreads.
Every journal created feels like a journey from the past to the present. I often have an emotional or intellectual connection with the textiles I choose. The deeper meaning or narrative develops as the piece evolves. This process is a meandering journey from conception to the final last stitch.
I am an avid reader of fiction, youth fiction, poetry and cartoons. I love how authors conjure up a little world where you are plunged into. My favorite stories are the ones that help the readers use their imagination to conjure up colours, textures and context around the characters. My hopes are to sew books with textiles that are words with stories of their own.
IMPROVISATION....come closer
volume 1-5
5"x9" panels, stacked texts
watercolour, linen, paper and leather
gold treads and Sumi E
click below for video
volume 1-5
5"x9" panels, stacked texts
watercolour, linen, paper and leather
gold treads and Sumi E
click below for video
CAPRICIOUS SYMBIOSES
silk pages
wool, batik, satin and cotton pieces
hematite stones and jasper jade
click below for slideshow