Some thoughts on my work...

Here is the latest picture of my free machine embroidered, straight 6, Bristol car engine. The work is very labour intensive and rather scary - 

First, will I manage to get the work finished in time - I think at least another 8 weeks will be needed. I have 19 weeks until hand in of all my degree work but I also need to prepare  for two 15 minute presentations, plus my textile project which has been parked at the moment (although it is constantly being considered in my head). But not only is there the time constraints, there is also the issue of will it work ? Potentially the removal of the dissolvable fabric will show any gaps and flaws in my technique such as overworked stitching that might expand and distort the shape, loss of detail as the stitches separate if there are too many weak spots and finally  the removal process will be difficult  to manage on such a large scale - many reasons for my restless nights.

The Bristol, Jan 13

Whilst I draw with my sewing machine there I am beginning to see another angle to my work and believe that I may be making a rather subversive statement! I was widowed and left to manage as both mother and father for my two boys. My work has been all about my need to be perfect and how I coped if there were any elements of failure in my endeavours to manage all the family needs. But - I am also demonstrating my feminine role - I am making a male image in delicate feminine embroidery - there is an issuer of gender and hierarchies in my practice which I love. There is something very powerful hiding in my stitches and a lot to be proved. I need to explore this further...