Karen Charlton Textile Blog

Blog 8 Looking at the Work of Other Textile Artists & Making Progress I have considered the work of other artists whilst investigating the mode of construction of my own textile sculpture. Ewa Pachuka Wall hanging, 'Landscape' crocheted hemp/linen. Sydney , New South Wales. 1974 Pachuka  has created a crochet sandy seashore. The holes and mounds representing the burrows of tunneling marine animals.[1] The technique that has been used has textural interest and forms. As mentioned in Blog 6, Magdalena Abakanowicz (1930 - 2017) was a polish sculptor and a fibre artist. She was known for her use of textiles as a sculptural medium and her outdoor installations.  The images show variation in surface texture created for example by knotting, weaving and crochet. There is an organic feel to the structures. The textile sculptures are large and looming. I really like the size of these textile sculptures - they have presence I like the work by Magdalena Abakanowicz for its scale, we...

  Blog 7 A Visit to Dovecot  Studios in Edinburgh In the exhibition 'Knitwear From Chanel to Westwood' . This Oak Pattern sweater, by designer Di Gilpin,was on display. The detail on the back  is interesting and is reminiscent of the woven branches of the bird's nest. Using this as inspiration I revisited the pieces of work I had completed using an old cut up sweater which had been stitched onto fabric. Since the wool strips were stitched onto a fabric base they were quite flat. Reflecting upon my work I decided to create a structure that was free of the basement cloth.  (Image below left) Considering this sample, it works as a free form piece, but lacks firmness and independent shape. This structure may work if supported or suspended. On a small scale it may work. However the potential exhibition space was outdoors. The Wash House Garden is a reasonably large space. Trees are present and it is bounded by raised stone planters. These are filled with shrubs and plants...

   Blog 6 Abandoned Nests and Homes Following on from Blog 5  consideration is given to the absence of soft furnishings and furniture in both the nest and the home.  Holding an abandoned nest in one's hand there is an all pervading sense of emptiness. Similarly an abandoned and empty house feels hollow. Emotions are evoked perhaps sadness at a once life-filled space now quiet, it's function no longer of use. Are there parallels with the human body once it's reproductive functions are passed does it become a vessel to be abandoned? From the images above the structural materials are integral to the strength and shape of the homes. Without the mud, twigs, concrete and steel,  without the boundaries they create,  the soft interiors fall apart .  Textile artist  Judy Tadman creates structures with interconnecting spaces. Judy Tadman  Rope sculpture inspired by standing stones. Rug wool was used in the construction in an attempt to bring about a so...