Artist:
Claire B Jones
Bio:
I learned to hand sew as a child growing up just outside Paisley in Scotland. Later, I trained a s a software engineer and now I explore the impact of applying engineering skills to machine stitching. After studying at the Gail Harker Creative Studies Center, I realized I wanted to combine creating sculptures with my fascination with free motion embroidery. This launched me on the journey I am on today, exploring the mirid of possibilities in this area.
Artist Statement:
“I have been working on creating sculptures with cotton canvas and a sewing machine for several years. Recently I have begun experimenting with how sketching on top of a sculpture melds the concepts of sculpture and drawing. I realized I could create a random colored background by changing the top and bobbin threads independently while stitching on the cotton canvas. I then covered the completed background with opaque water soluble fabric to hide the colors while I draw on the surface with the sewing machine. This means I don’t see how the canvas has been transformed by the stitched drawing until the piece is rinsed. Assembling the sculpture transformed the work even more.
For me, transformation means a never-ending journey of experimentation.”
Techniques Used: Background surface created with Thread Painting using a sewing machine. Foreground surface creating with thread sketching using a sewing machine.
Materials: cotton canvas and thread
Measurements: 10.5" x 10.5" x 8.5"
