The Old Leather Bag – Artist Statement

Artist Statement
The availability of Digital Photography has offered Artists an additional alternative to consider when capturing and recording images and designs.
Basic digital imagery combined with years of experience and training in textiles has opened alternative approaches for me to create expressive contemporary Artworks by merely using simple and uncomplicated “computer moves”.
My work continues my textile practices.

I use fabric, threads, mix media and “free motion embroidery” to render my surfaces.
The machine is importantly an extension of my painting.
Soft overlays build up a collage of texture. Shades and tones play a huge role in my artwork. Particular attention is paid to tone to create the desired texture, depth and movement required.

I take a professional approach to my work…..to focus in, never moving away from my story. In the beginning an intense connection to the subject matter at hand both physically and emotionally is paramount.
It can often be a struggle with beginnings and I cannot always justify the amount of time I am taking to formalise my concepts.

I continually remind myself that this is the “professional approach”, being true to myself as well as being able to convey my intention and message to my audience.
It is essential that I develop a strong connection to my subject. Once the connection is realised I am able to consolidate my intentions and to move into my journey of discovery.

Before commencing my story it was important to consider and understand the physical characteristics of the “Old Leather Bag” and in particular the separate elements that would combine to make it one.

The Old Leather Bag

It was important to consider the structure and physical characteristics of the bag, the obvious physical appearance of the outer covering as well as the unknown inner sanctum. The outer covering gave the bag its personality, stability, form and created uniqueness to that particular object in time. The lining gave the bag an inner separation from the hard exterior. The two elements combined allowed the bag to have depth and mystery.
The transferral of the elements would feature predominately in my Artworks

I would also wonder and consider what personality, character and energy the previous owner would have engendered to the bag. Like people some bags ooze new and glossy others look tired and worn. Some are active whilst others remain inactive.

I have taken my own individual responses to the bag using the “Stud” as my story.