Faded Memories draws on inspiration from historical and contemporary research carried out covering how memories and stories are told and preserved through the medium of textiles. Stepping out of the comfort zone, these deeply personal pieces explore intimate experiences from childhood, early adulthood and parenthood. The act of releasing memories whilst also retaining them has proved an emotional yet poignant challenge. The benefits experienced have highlighted that having the ability to relive cherished memories through the very fabric which formed part of them gives a rewarding and new purpose to something, which would otherwise be hidden in the dark locked away. By utilising the clothes worn gives another level of personal connection to the works breathing new life and light into outgrown pre-loved garments.

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Breaching the theme of loss and release however was a testing time emotionally, relinquishing treasured garments and giving realisation that these clothes will never be worn by another child of my own was extremely testing.  Using these childhood fabrics as an outlet to express happy positive recollections but also thoughts of grief and negative encounters of the past, has offered the opportunity for emotional exploration and healing. The local landscapes from fond childhood remembrances provide inspiration for the Quilted Landscapes, whilst negative life experiences are depicted in Repressed Recollections.

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Historical research has highlighted the act of recording memory through stitching has both purposeful and emotional benefits to the creator and also their recipients. Gaining inspiration from the textile works of contemporary artists Tracey Emin, Bisa Butler and Louise O’Hara, the positive outcome experienced from the works produced has confirmed that freeing emotions through creativity whilst also conserving has positive effects on one’s mental health should one be willing to open up to the prospect of letting go.

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The subject of memory loss and the effects of Dementia which sadly affects many more people in recent years, is tackled in the Faded Prints and Stitched Sketches.  Each print set involves the degradation of colour, which is intended to show how as we age and our memories fade, certain things are lost whereas others remain. The hand-stitched works emphasise that the spirit of the moment lives on when the details become lost. Focussing on personal memories once more, these works highlight my own experiences and connection to memory retention issues. It is intended that these works will portray that whilst memories and thoughts can fade or become clouded, the essence of the person in body and spirit remain.

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As an artist the act of creating has grounded me over the years and my love of colour has helped lift me out of darker times in my life. The positive benefits which art, creating and in particular the soothing act of stitching has on one’s wellbeing is something I want to share with everyone and encourage anyone to just give it a go no matter what their ability.