I’m hibernating. We have on-going horrid weather here and it feels pretty dreary so our Christmas tree lights snuck up a little early! Six storms in three months is unusual, I’ve never known it be so wet for so long.
But it has meant I’ve finished another set of Stitchpots. These are ‘fire’ in a series based on the elements.
I love having a bit of hand stitching especially for the dark evenings so I thought the elements might be fun to try. Sometimes the little stitches and responses to the fabric fragments come easily, but I wasn’t as sure starting this theme. However, once I got started, small motifs arose and could be repeated. There are usually a few that emerge which I use in different ways and they help the pots sit as a series when the cloth is cut up. There is a point when I’m stitching when the fragments and stitch start to feel ‘as one’. I’ve never been particularly motivated by the handle of cloth but I do notice this pleasurable tactile quality that emerges usually just before before it’s ready to be cut. The softness of the little pots themselves is also something I quite like now. I must do really, because I think this batch brings me to about 113 pots all stacked and quietly sitting in my cupboard. It’s quite ridiculous but there will definitely be more arriving. I sometimes wonder when I will be done with them or them with me.
I’m thinking water is probably the next obvious element to try. There could be quite a lot to think about with water coming in its different states and presentations in nature although I think I’ve had enough of storms, thank you. Always nice to start a fresh project with a delve into different colour boxes of fabric and yarns… 🙂
Between all the rain, we had a few icy and snowy days, very uncharacteristic for a UK November. But the sliver fields and hedgerows are always beautiful
At my art group, we had a meeting where we were inspired by a shared image of a snowy scene. I’m still really interested in trying to move away from realism but I often find I’m doing something more realistic than I want to. Often, it seems I have to paint something this way before I can paint it again and abstract more. I’m finding it really challenging but that’s also what keeps me motivated.
Anyway, this is the little painting that emerged. I think I’d like to use inks a bit more if I can, the tree was indigo acrylic ink and I love the looseness ink brings.
This is the last post of the year and looking back, 2023 has a lovely mix of enjoyable workshops and talks, an art residency, a show, exhibitions and a podcast interview. It’s been a good one!
Thank you for reading along each month and it’s always a pleasure to receive comments and hear shared experiences.
As most of my workshops are organised by textile groups, I thought it worth mentioning that I’m at Granary Studio near Winchester in April and Hope and Elvis, Worksop in September if you are after some company and creativity!
Wishing everyone a happy Christmas and New Year – see you in 2024 x
Rachael Singleton 
I think beginning by working a realistic painting is one way to take a first look and helps to clarify the important elements which then go on to inform abstract work. It crystallises what made the subject compelling in the first place.
Very true. I know a lot of folk have this kind of practice, it really does clarify and help you notice as you say.
Beautiful work, as always, especially the fire colours in the stitchpots.
I understand what you say about needing to work realistically before proceeding to create an abstract. It is, perhaps, a case of creating structure which you can then reduce to its structural or tonal elements? I find that sometimes in my own work.
Thanks. Yes that makes sense
Wishing you a restful and joyful holiday, Rachael! I so enjoy seeing your work, and hearing how it evolves. Thank you for sharing it with us.
Hello Ms. Singleton. I discovered you on Instagram and Pinterest and now have discovered you maintain a blog so I signed up for notifications. I love your work and you inspired me to create my own stitch pots which I don’t try to sell and I gave you credit when I posted my first one on Instagram. Fun to know I’m not the only one who creates work that just piles up in the studio. I look forward to viewing your archives and continuing to admire and be inspired by your creativity. Thanks.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Rachel. I am so grateful to have happened upon your work! I have been making stitched vessels and now on my 5th one. I normally do other mixed media work but now I am focused on these fun to make vessels. It’s so much fun to place the textures and colors together and stitch so intuitively. Right up this HSP’s alley! Thank you for sharing your creativity!!! Cindy Brewer
Ooh how kind!! Glad you are having some fun making them 🙂
One more thing I wanted t tell you! I live in Lumberton, North Carolina in America, Do you ever teach in America? The other thing is that I made some stitch pots that we used as vases for our ‘Form and Fiber’ art exhibit last month. I’m involved in our local arts council. They were a hit and looked so beautiful with the flowers. It was perfect for the exhibit! I find these the whole stitch pot experience to be so fulfilling. I never know just how it will turn out in the end so it’s like developing treasure! Again, THANK YOU!!! Cindy Brewer
It’s really nice to hear about your vessels, thank you for letting me know! Unfortunately I don’t teach in the USA but thank you so much for asking. Yes, the not knowing what they will look like is the exciting bit for me too 🙂