This piece is called “Fragile Strength 2”. It was one of 2 artworks both made around the same time - embroidered thread spines set in a vintage box - and it’s one of my favourite works I’ve ever made!
This piece won the ACMD acquisitive art prize and is now part of the St Vincent’s Hospital Art Collection but that’s not why it’s one of my favourites. Read on if you’d like to know why.
For as long as I can remember I have been obsessed with human anatomy and especially the spine. It is an extension of my curiosity for the human form as explored through my life drawing and also a metaphor I have been exploring visually for as long as I can remember - for looking beneath the surface of our human natures, peeling back layers to discover essential realities or truths.
When I studied Fine Art (sculpture) at Edinburgh Art College my entire degree show was made up of spines! And somehow years later the spine is still my muse. It is my ‘go to’ motif when I am experimenting with new ways of working which is really how the “Fragile Strength” pieces came about.
Once I had learned I could make freestanding embroideries of spines I felt a whole universe of exciting possibilities opening up to me! This work gave rise to a whole solo exhibition: “Veritas” and I am continuing to explore the working methods and concepts that evolved from making this piece. Something really important came together in the making of this artwork for me - I felt a real integration between my concepts and my communication of these through materials and form and that is why it is my favourite 😊