‘Making as Learning’, Salt’s Mill, Saltaire, Shipley
October 7, 2024
Celebrating 62 years of The 62 Group of Textile Artists, the ‘Making as Learning’ brief asked members to investigate a new way of working.
My contribution to the show is ‘Album’, which explores the idea of a collection of photographs. Inspired by an unexpected gathering and a complex family history, I touch on feelings of absence within an interior. Bleached-out or burnt-in shadows permeate pillowcases that may contain or be empty, with a quite repeating pattern ‘humming’ in the background – perhaps old wallpaper or fabric – alluding to the domestic space. Creating work that was double-sided was new for me – there is no back or front – but the fragmentation and rearrangement of compositions on either side reinforces a sense of shifting change over time.
The 300ft-long roof space at Salt’s Mill is impressive and atmospheric, providing the perfect environment in which to explore and appreciate the amazing array of innovative pieces presented by members in response to the ‘Making as Learning’ brief. The mood changes with the weather, and when the sun is out, the roof lights allow striking shadows to interact with the works.
‘Album'; dyed and screen-printed linen installation at Salt’s Mill
Alongside ‘Album’ is a series of samples that demonstrate the development process as colours are explored and print layer order is refined. It can take time to arrive at something I really like, but they all give valuable information and insight, adding to my printing knowledge.
Series of printed linen samples for ‘Album’ at Salt’s Mill
‘Making as Learning’, Salt’s Mill, in the Victorian industrial village of Saltaire in Shipley, near Bradford, runs from 8th September-3rd November 2024; Wednesday-Sunday 11am-4pm.
https://www.62group.org.uk/exhibitions/making-as-learning/