Inspirations issue 91

As we go through life it seems to be full of exclamation points, large and small, that cause us to stop for a moment, put aside our busy daily routine and take some time to create something beautiful for someone we love. There are ‘significant’ birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, milestones at work and, of course, weddings but perhaps the most exciting event is the birth of a new baby. The arrival of a baby is like opening up a whole new chapter and presents us with a new set of exciting occasions that need to be celebrated with embroidery. So what is it that makes stitching something for a baby so appealing? Maybe it has something to do with size – small, precious people certainly need a small and precious gift to…

As we go through life it seems to be full of exclamation points, large and small, that cause us to stop for a moment, put aside our busy daily routine and take some time to create something beautiful for someone we love. There are ‘significant’ birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, milestones at work and, of course, weddings but perhaps the most exciting event is the birth of a new baby. The arrival of a baby is like opening up a whole new chapter and presents us with a new set of exciting occasions that need to be celebrated with embroidery. So what is it that makes stitching something for a baby so appealing? Maybe it has something to do with size – small, precious people certainly need a small and precious gift to…

The art makes us think of our culture in a different way and what we want people to know. It’s good for everyone to have a place like this. It helps us be part of both worlds. DULCIE SHARPE – ARTIST Place is an important concept for the people of Larapinta Valley Town Camp in Alice Springs . For an outsider these harsh lands in central Australia might look bleak and unforgiving, but for the western Arrernte and Luritja people who call these hills and plains home, it is filled with stories, history, life, and dreams. The Yarrenyty Arltere Learning Centre (YALC) is named after the prominent white hill opposite the centre, which is associated with and features strongly in the Dreamtime stories of the Arrernte people, the first inhabitants of this…

The art makes us think of our culture in a different way and what we want people to know. It’s good for everyone to have a place like this. It helps us be part of both worlds. DULCIE SHARPE – ARTIST Place is an important concept for the people of Larapinta Valley Town Camp in Alice Springs . For an outsider these harsh lands in central Australia might look bleak and unforgiving, but for the western Arrernte and Luritja people who call these hills and plains home, it is filled with stories, history, life, and dreams. The Yarrenyty Arltere Learning Centre (YALC) is named after the prominent white hill opposite the centre, which is associated with and features strongly in the Dreamtime stories of the Arrernte people, the first inhabitants of this…

“The subtlety and dimension to stitch has fascinated me for over ten years.” INSPIRATIONS You trained in the traditional processes of embroidery at Manchester School of Art and The Royal College of Art. What was your experience of embroidery before art school? RICHARD I had a very basic view of textiles and embroidery. My auntie would visit on Monday evening and knit our Christmas jumpers and I had a little bit of experience with cross stitch from school. My introduction to embroidery was a happy accident and happened on a visit to an open day of the Embroidery Degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (which sadly no longer exists as its original entity). This really opened my mind to the broad sense of the word ‘embroidery’. What attracted me to this place was…

“The subtlety and dimension to stitch has fascinated me for over ten years.” INSPIRATIONS You trained in the traditional processes of embroidery at Manchester School of Art and The Royal College of Art. What was your experience of embroidery before art school? RICHARD I had a very basic view of textiles and embroidery. My auntie would visit on Monday evening and knit our Christmas jumpers and I had a little bit of experience with cross stitch from school. My introduction to embroidery was a happy accident and happened on a visit to an open day of the Embroidery Degree at Manchester Metropolitan University (which sadly no longer exists as its original entity). This really opened my mind to the broad sense of the word ‘embroidery’. What attracted me to this place was…