Ruth Murray: Lesley Millar, Professor of Textile Culture

Millar emphasized the significance of cloth in our everyday lives:

• It is Integral to our own identity. National and cultural identities are also established in cloth, for example traditional patterns and techniques. 
• An intimate environment that we move and live in like skin. Cloth lies very close to the body and holds memories of ourselves we cannot wash off. 
• Generates feelings as we respond to textiles with all our senses. 
• A connection of threads and narratives: it Communicates ideas with and without words. 
• It gives dignity, covers and protects. We decide how much to reveal and conceal of our true selves and the character we create. 

Contemporary Textile Practice

"Juxtaposition", 2011

Suzumi Noda knitted together jacquard punch cards to form a lace-like wall which resembles a night time cityscape. These disposable objects are used to weave valuable fabrics, yet being displayed in this spectacular way gives the cards their own significance. There is a juxtaposition of worthless and expensive materials, with luxurious lacquer thread joining them together, which comments on our modern communist society in which materials are produced and discarded in abundance. 

“Daisy Duck”

2005, 192 x 140 cm

Silja Purane combines image and pattern like my project, with photographs transferred onto elaborate, decorative materials. She uses second-hand domestic textiles which represent home, shelter, memory, body and identity. I like the worn-out surfaces as they have history and tell the story of a previous life. The images suggest the relationship of an individual and society, and the old quilts and blankets give protection to the human figures printed on them. Purane combines contemporary technology with traditional slow handicraft as she also embroiders into the work, creating a contrast of old and new  which is relevant to the new art school building.  

Severija Incirauskaite interprets Lithuanian folk designs in a creative and contemporary way by drilling then embroidering patterns onto metal. She uses different types of found, rusty objects and makes them appear ornamental pieces, which highlights the beauty of traditional embroidery. 

 









Exhibitions curated include: Lost In Lace & Cloth And Culture Now
www.lostinlace.org.uk
www.clothandculturenow.com