The Value of Making
This new body of work was created to celebrate the skill, dexterity and the creative problem solving of people who make things, recognising the value of clever hands in an increasingly digital and cerebral age. Concerned about the position of making in the hierarchy of skills we value as a society and how this is exacerbated by the decline of making in schools, I have made a series of portraits of contemporary makers to reflect how proud I am to be a member of this creative community.
“The idea of illustrating the tools of seven makers gave the viewer an intimate glimpse into the lives of the people portrayed which went beyond what a traditional portrait might do. The seven carefully chosen and curated images were thoughtful and beautifully executed and served as an inspiration to audiences at Collect.”
Pieces are for sale, please enquire
Portrait of a Potter 2018, 23cm x 23cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen SOLD
Portrait of a Metal worker 2017, 63cm x 49cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen. Available at Mint
Portrait of a Furniture maker 2018, 65cm x 59cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen SOLD
Portrait of Shoemaker 2017, 45cm x 46cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen.
Portrait of a Weaver 2018, 23cm x 33cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen SOLD
Portrait of a Jeweller 2018, 18cm x 18cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen SOLD
Portrait of a Glass-blower 2017, 33cm x 42cm, hand stitched silk organza appliqué on linen. Available at Mint
The Value of Making - Book BUY NOW
“‘In the beautiful little catalogue produced to document the show, what is striking is the artist’s descriptions of the conversations that took place during the process’. ”
The Value of Making was supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.
Many thanks to the makers: Helen Beard, Ane Christensen, Sebastian Cox, Maiko Dawson, Eleanor Pritchard, Sarah Pulvetaft and Michael Ruh. There is more information about the making of this work in my Journal.
Photo credit: Lol Johnson