I have been making work since I was a child. What interests me are the subtle inbetween spaces of emotion and the senses. Much of my current work is concerned with empathy and transience.
My pieces are mostly in thread worked with a needle. I have been exploring raised embroidery,needlelace and 'stumpwork' for several years now and am developing new ways to make these techniques become more sculptural and expressive.
Stumpwork is a group of techniques one of which uses needlelace to create a 3d object. This type of lace can be worked very densely, at least 300 stitches to the square inch, which lends itself to a very meditative process.
The Glass Pingle Blog
My studio houses an ongoing project 'The Museum for Objects of Vertu'. Here I give a home to the lost -
Museum for Objects of Vertu
I am currently involved in two projects the first being artist in residence at Imperial College London's vascular surgery unit. Here I observe surgery and look at the parallel techniques and challenges between lacemaking and textile arts in general. Vascular surgery began in the early 20th century when a surgeon, Alexis Carrel, watched lacemakers in Belgium and realised that techniques that they used could help him in his work.
Thread Management
My other project has just begun as a research fellow for the Victoria and Albert (museum) Research Institute. I am also a member of the Art Workers' Guild and short course tutor at West Dean college.
West Dean College
Art Workers' Guild
If you are interested in any of the pieces available for sale, or would like to find out more about commissioning a piece, please get in touch via fleuroakes@outlook.com