The Embrace series

This series of constructed textile shawls, captures my reflections on the historic pandemic. This project was inspired by an exchange of sweaters between a close friend and me, a gesture which led us both to reflect on the importance of touch between friends, family and for all of us as human beings. 

Choosing from a variety of natural and synthetic fibres, including yarn from deconstructed well worn sweaters,  I create each shawl to metaphorically wrap, with love and affection, those dear to me during these challenging Covid-19 pandemic times. It is an effort to replicate that human touch we are missing, a deep felt desire to keep family and friends safe and warm. It is to extend a heartfelt hug, spontaneous and natural, while we continue to have to socially distance ourselves from others. 

Each art piece is a reflection of the layers of complexity and challenges this pandemic has brought to our lives, a representation of the fibres that have kept us together.  The fibres are carefully selected for their softness and comfort to the touch.  There are no straight lines to be found here, just as in the Covid-19 graphs we face everyday during the Pandemic. The bumps, spaces and rough edges are intentionally part of the designs and help create the texture of each textile piece.