An introduction for year three...

I am now at the start of my final year at Bath Spa University: this will be spread over two years as I continue part-time because I also work two days a week as a Midwife and take care of  my two sons. Last year ended really well (81% and 83% for my two modules)  but with work now being thrown into the mix and an impending degree show, what will happen? 

Well first, a few images from last year :

Now untitled

'We Should Smile More...'

These images were part of a series of work that explored my need to be perfect: free machine embroidery drawn for direct observation onto dissolvable fabric. Whilst every effort was made to draw well, stitches were not corrected once made and the removal of the backing fabric on completion of the work left the drawing to find it's own shape. An amount of fear would be evident as I lost control over my work and the threads became themselves without their support. How would I feel about the final result? Perfect, not perfect; which was best and which would I accept? 

Still unanswered, this project has now been moved to my Art module because  the idea of perfection is such an exciting area of investigation.

The other area that I worked with last year was the idea of 'Damage and Repair' as seen in these images...

This project was based on another personal subject - trying to repair damaged lives after the death of my husband (see  Art and Textiles blog - The Heart of It). Perhaps both subjects are intrinsically linked but I think they are both equally weighty elements worthy of separate discussion and investigation. 

Trying to repair the damage caused by Carls death has led me up the path of trying to be perfect, trying to be a dad and a mother at the same time whilst making sure that my degree is a worthy investment of my limited time. But is a flawless repair necessary, can we not just make the best of what we now have? Perhaps the cracks and fragmented pieces can have a  new identity, one that does not forget the past but makes the best of what we now have. And maybe some of these newly created shapes will show a greater beauty and appreciation.