T h r e a d s
by Sabiha Hussain
e: t-of-i@hotmail.co.uk
m: 07971 106025
Personal Statement from the Artist:
Whilst I was studying for my Fashion and Design HND at Bradford College, I was particularly interested in pattern and design details of garment making, this led me to work as a Freelance Designer of Sportswear and a designer of Textiles. Bradford College enabled me to continue to develop my interest in weaving and embroidery and further encourage my Fine Arts skills. I have also worked as ‘Artist in Residence’ in a variety of school based projects.
Personal and Cultural References:
As a child in Africa I was surrounded by my mothers and grandmother’s traditional clothing, and embroidery which were influenced by my great grandmother’s Pakistani heritage. During my childhood I was spellbound with mother’s dowry, especially a delicate chiffon ‘dappata’ embroidered with a silver border and silver thread appliquéd circles shapes which I unpicked due to moth damage hopeful to recreate it when I practiced my embroidery skills.
Throughout this period, every happy occasion, would be marked by the traditional embroidered clothes and decoration of hand and feet with mehndi patterns. I was fascinated by henna colour and patterns appearing like magic. I have also always appreciated the sacred shape, beauty and artistic flow of Islamic Calligraphy.
We then came to the North of England where my father worked in the mills of the textile industry producing yarns for carpets. My mother took great pride in designing, embroidering and hand stitching our clothes.
In my work I have combined these influences with my experience of the beauty, colour and texture of natural and found objects through an organic process resulting in collage ‘embroidery.’
Techniques:
I explore the different mediums and resources to build layers of pattern and interwoven collage to give a 3 dimensional effect similar to that of beading in embroidery. I use natural materials to give the effect of texture and of beading and embroidery. I use rougher textures and forms to balance the graceful smooth flow of the pattern work.
Resources:
A variety of resources are used that reflect the character and individuality of each painting. As well as the conventional materials used in paintings such as acrylic, metallic, vinyl and enamel paint. Natural resources from fresh and dried flowers to pine cones are used along with recycled materials such as; netting and plastic packaging. These resources are carefully combined together for the desired effect.
