I've just delivered the text for the piece commissioned by 'Stitch' magazine about 'Prisoner of Conscience', a set of 8 hangings celebrating 50 years of Amnesty International. Until 6th February you can see this challenging work in the evocative setting of Salisbury Cathedral. The piece then moves to Portsmouth Cathedral until Lent. The strongest element of the piece for me, unquestionably, is the rendering of the 3D scupltural chain links in padded leather. The shadows they cast on the stone walls of the cathedral, bathed in the light from the Amnesty Candle; wrapped in wrought iron barbed wire; are a chilling visual reminder of those imprisoned for their beliefs in cells and unyielding locations worldwide. A powerful, soul stirring piece. Read my interview with Jane and discover more about how the piece came to fruition; complete with plenty of technical detail on its creation, in an upcoming issue of 'Stitch'. I'll post here when I know which issue.

Prisoners of Conscience by Jane Lemon

'Prisoners of Conscience' by Jane Lemon

Some artists are a particular joy to  interview; so clear headed in their creative intent, so generous in sharing their techniques and thought processes. Jane Lemon definitely comes into this category. I first interviewed her a few years ago, for a general piece about her career. This interview was for a tightly focussed piece on her series of banners marking 50 years of Amnesty International.

I have been fortunate enough to have seen these today at Salisbury Cathedral in the Morning Chapel. I urge you to go as this setting is perfect for them and they are beautifully illuminated and complemented by the Amnesty Candle in a heavy, iron surround of barbed wire. Afterwards, the banners will be on display at Portsmouth Cathedral. Go see.

Image from Jane Lemon’s series of original embroideries; PRISONER OF CONSCIENCE, marking 50 years of AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

I'm privileged to have been asked to write a piece for 'Stitch' magazine about this stunning collection of embroideries created by a true 'grande dame' of the art; Jane Lemon. The pieces are currently on display in Salisbury Cathedral, Wiltshire.

Day Two

Day Two. Here be monsters. Well, I've successfully navigated my way back through the serpents of technology to find this link again. Will probably be a while before I hit the heady heights of being able to load pictures, but watch this space. This one. This big, very boring whiteish grey one. I shall attempt over the coming months to fill it with colour to illuminate the darkest day. Haberdashery rocks! Say it with me people !!

Hello World!

Deep breath. Hold tight. I laugh in the face of technofear! Am blogging. At last. Scary times...I fear change.