Connecting Threads
Connecting Threads is a community textile project co-ordinated by lead artist Gwen Simpson. The work was created after reading about the shocking incident of the collapse of the Rana Plaza textile factory in Bangladesh that happened in 2013.
I invited members of the public to contribute a sewn rectangular piece which was then combined into a large scale textile hanging consisting of 1,130 pieces. This echoes the number of individuals who tragically lost their life as a result of the collapse.
Alongside acknowledgement of this incident, the project generated discussions about our ‘throw away culture’, the demand for cheap clothing, and the decline of traditional sewing skills. Cheap clothing comes at a cost for many poorly paid textile workers, and influences working conditions. Further more the negative impacts on the environment of waste byproducts produced from these factories has been well documented.
The project has encouraged individuals to come together in a united spirit of community, and to reconnect to their own creativity. Through conversation and action it has raised awareness of the impact of these issues, and the choices we make. We have had all age groups - from young children, to older adults contributing and hopefully this sharing of skills will rekindle the spirt of 'make do and mend'
I invited members of the public to contribute a sewn rectangular piece which was then combined into a large scale textile hanging consisting of 1,130 pieces. This echoes the number of individuals who tragically lost their life as a result of the collapse.
Alongside acknowledgement of this incident, the project generated discussions about our ‘throw away culture’, the demand for cheap clothing, and the decline of traditional sewing skills. Cheap clothing comes at a cost for many poorly paid textile workers, and influences working conditions. Further more the negative impacts on the environment of waste byproducts produced from these factories has been well documented.
The project has encouraged individuals to come together in a united spirit of community, and to reconnect to their own creativity. Through conversation and action it has raised awareness of the impact of these issues, and the choices we make. We have had all age groups - from young children, to older adults contributing and hopefully this sharing of skills will rekindle the spirt of 'make do and mend'
Leigh Road Baptist Church Eco Fair
October 19th 2019
October 19th 2019
'Turn the Page' Norwich 2019
The story of the Rana Plaza disaster told in 1,130 textile pieces makes into an artist made book fair
The story of the Rana Plaza disaster told in 1,130 textile pieces makes into an artist made book fair
Getting ready for Leigh Art Trail that will take place June 9th - 16th 2018
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September 2017 : Southend on Sea Arts Council Open Day : Heidi with some help from Daddy
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July 7th 2017 : Some of the school children making textile pieces at Next Generation Day at Chalkwell Hall
A friend organises a tea, sew and chat afternoon
Visible mending on a pair of trousers, now repurposed for the Connecting Threads project.
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A few of the 50 textile pieces that were made by the children on the day.
Val has never sewn before, and gives it a go
A well worn flannelette shirt was beyond mending lives on as a textile piece.
Above : Found image with organza overlay
Left : Running stitches and french knots on curtain sample fabric |
Juliet Bryson, machine knitting sample : Jane Sealey, smocking : Sheena Booth, hand embriodery
Jace Usher, collaged T'shirt fabric : Jackie Bennett, blue bird of remembrance : Theo Lusty, hessian woven with thread
Alison Bournes, falling person, tea dyed cloth.
Chris Ruston, hot press printing on silk
rust dyed cloth with found lettering
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Karen Apps, cracks in the fabric of the building
Karen Apps, hand embroidered lettering
Itan : collaged cloth and embroidery
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