Initial visual research led me to the conclusion that gender differences are arbitrary, socially constructed. The textile acquires masculine or feminine traits through association. Lace has feminine associations in both dress and the domestic environment yet has been worn by both sexes throughout history.
I was particularly struck by the similarities of the feminine lace petticoats that form part of traditional Mexican dress and the lace garment worn as part of papal vestments. Lace is a textile of strong contrasts; masculine and feminine, delicate yet strong, demure yet erotic... revealing and also concealing.
It is a textile that does not tell the whole story.
The holes in the lace are a metaphor for the missing parts of stories, the gaps in our knowledge. The idea of looking through holes to see deeper layers led to the idea of pages in a book. The book is a powerful communicator, inviting conversation with the spectator.
Book pages were constructed from pieces of donated lace, each piece bringing with it a story, a history, yet in each case an incomplete story with parts missing. As I stitched the lace together, stories were stitched into the surface becomming embedded within the pages, present yet hidden, revealed yet concealed.
The narrative becomes the thread that holds the story together. The spectator is invited to fill in the missing pieces, the holes, the lacunae. Nothing is obvious.
I could not have achieved this without you:
Sam, Angela, Sue C, Isobel, Carol, Cathy, Celia, Theresa, Lyn, Muriel, Sharne, Julie & Grace, Susan, Maria, Joanna, Linda W, Jan, Gill, Linda B , Val, Lesley, Sue R, Suzanne and Michala.*
Thank you.
* If I have left anyone out or left out a link please let me know
All that hidden history stitched together - what a beautifully constructed book Gina. I'm really pleased I donated a couple of fragments to be included.
ReplyDeleteCelia
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It's wonderful, Gina. I'm honoured to have been a small part of it, and I would love to have a look at it one day.
ReplyDeleteit looks beautiful Gina and i'm thrilled to be part of it.
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That is possibly the most beautiful book I have ever seen, aren't you clever?! x
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful piece of textile art!
ReplyDeleteIt looks stunning!! I am so glad that my lace was useful to you. What's next??
ReplyDeleteIt looks beautiful, I would love to see it in the flesh...
ReplyDeleteSuperb Gina, I love it. Thank you for stitching our little bits of lace and memories into your wonderful book. I hope you can exhibit it nationally one day so we can all come and take a peek. It is really an honour to have contributed.
ReplyDeleteWow what an amazing result I am really impressed and intrigued, just beautiful Gina,I feel privileged to be a part of your amazing work x
ReplyDeleteJust a thimbleful...
ReplyDeleteAn inspiring piece,Gina, so much meaning woven into a piece of cloth !
You must be thrilled with the final piece Gina and I'm sure your tutor will be too. It is so well thought out and beautifully constructed. I would love to hold it and turn the pages. My one regret is that I had nothing to donate.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely wonderful. Gorgeous work Gina.
ReplyDeleteAs ever you have produced something beautiful and inspiring! Good Job x
ReplyDeleteOh my word............ what a beautiful piece of work. You must be so pleased with it...........
ReplyDeleteA thought provoking book Gina and beautiful too. Thank you for including my memories in your creation. I too would love to see it irl one day.
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful and extraordinary work of art Gina. I wish I could see it up close. I am in awe!
ReplyDeleteWow! It turned out beautifully. And I love the hidden stories.
ReplyDeleteIt's beautiful Gina! What a lot of work -- you must be thrilled!
ReplyDeleteIncredible Gina it's a real work of art!
ReplyDeleteI love how this has been brought together--another pair of hands in creating the whole from many hands creating the bits and pieces of the story. Beautiful. I am honoured to have been a small part of its creation. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteIt looks wonderful Gina, I really hope that I get to see it at some point.
ReplyDeleteAs everyone else has said, it is beautiful. I am glad to have been part of it. How do you come up with these amazing ideas? I have now found an old bra with beautiful lacy bits which would also have been ideal.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful piece of work, Gina. Thank you so much for allowing a tatty piece of tatting to be part of something so beautiful and meaningful!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and so beautifully described.
ReplyDeleteK x
so beautiful Gina and I love the way you've described how it came together. I even think I spotted my piece of lace. perhaps I'll see it IRL one day.
ReplyDeleteGina, this is stunning.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
It looks fabulous Gina - I hope I get to see it for real sometime! x
ReplyDeleteWhen our choir was practising the music teacher said she explains to her school-children ... The rests are important, part of the music, like holes in lace.
ReplyDeletel loved the end product..amazingxxwell done..so mine never arrived! Good luck with the next part...what degree are you actually doing..L have forgotten?xxlynda
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http://tryingtocreatearteveryday.blog
Oh my goodness. Inspiration!!! I love the concept for this!
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