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INVISIBLE STITCHERS: MASCULINITY, NEEDLE AND THREAD IN JOSEPH MCBRINN’S BOOK
For centuries, the needle and thread have been tacitly assigned to female hands. But history is, as often happens, more complex and layered than conventions would have us believe. Joseph McBrinn demonstrates this with acumen and rigour in his book Queering the Subversive Stitch: Men and the Culture of Needlework, the first systematic study devoted to the male presence in the world of embroidery and textile arts. Published by Bloomsbury Visual Arts in the spring of 2021, the volume opens an unexpected breach in the history of making, uncovering a hidden (and often erased) tradition of men who, from the Middle Ages onwards, have sewn, embroidered, made lace, knitted, tailored…
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“FRAGMENTATION AND REPAIR” BY SHELLEY RHODES
In the ever-evolving world of textile and mixed-media art, fragmentation and repair have emerged as pivotal themes, resonating deeply with contemporary artists. In her captivating book, Fragmentation and Repair, fiber artist Shelley Rhodes delves into these concepts with an insightful and thought-provoking approach, offering a wealth of innovative ideas and practical techniques. Drawing from her own artistic practice, Rhodes masterfully explores how materials such as cloth, paper, and found objects can be deconstructed and reassembled to create evocative, textured compositions. Her meticulous process is infused with emotional depth, transforming discarded fragments into works of art that celebrate imperfection and renewal. The book provides a comprehensive exploration of techniques ranging from…
