In the studio

The work in the studio and in sketchbooks are moving along and developing. I am continuing with various mark-making exercises and have also started to introduce threads and yarns in my work. I am attempting to find ways of using these materials that relates back to patterns and textures discovered in the subject matter.

Fibres and yarns are made up of certain components; wool, cotton and linen for example, or they can also be a mixed together. And depending on their composition they can all react very differently to manipulations and techniques. Yarns made with wool fibres are often porous and soft while linen are strong and quite rigid for example. So it is important to meticulously try out any ideas that come up with a range of yarns to determine which is most suitable and achieve the desired effect. This part of the creative process is really significant to me as it is exciting to see if any unexpected findings can be made. And sometimes the material that you disregarded turns out to be just the right fit. So it is important to keep an open mind.

The studio wall is also developing – and constantly changing. I use this space to put up photographs and sketches that I regard as having a big significance on the current stage of the project. Relevant artist research and other inspiration, such as specific materials, can be placed here to add to the overview of the work. I find it useful to have this space as it keeps a clear focus and shows in which direction the project is going.

Lately I have become increasingly interested in heavily twisted or what is sometimes called over-twisted yarn. As shown here in the picture above. It is wavy, wild and irregular in its structure. It is a yarn with a lot of character and texture and I think it reminds of both ripples on the surface and also the flow of water itself. This particular yarn was made by an Irish company called S-twist yarn with fibres from local sheep. Unfortunately they are no longer in business which is a shame but I am lucky to have a few hanks in my studio. Now I just have figure out which technique or application to use it with.

Hopefully I am able to get my loom equipment soon so that I can start with the sample weaving! However, I am still waiting for this specific piece that I need to be back in stock.

All the best

Marlene