There was a complexity and depth of knowledge in Emily’s very interesting presentation. The title of the talk refers to her work making beautiful pieces using silk organza and simple hand stitch some shown below. Emily also told us about her career in making; beginning with high end evening bags, sold internationally, including during a long standing relationship with Japanese firms. Emily had previously studied wood metal and plastics in Wolverhampton. She got a Princes Trust Loan and used this to help her develop her business, worked for 10 years producing two collections a year and. Eventually however her business was threatened by international political developments and she pursued new avenues.
Emily wanted her work to have more longevity and joined the 62 group of textile artists beginning her longstanding interest in using silk organza. This enabled her to paint and layer with hand stitching over the layers, using stab stitches. She likes the slowness and accuracy of the work and produced portraits of family. She also obtained commissions and was enabled to focus on other makers, from a variety of sources, finding that really observing an object informs her work. She worked with boat yard apprentices and she also moved tousing natural dyed organza.
Emily is currently artist in residence at Trinity Buoy Wharf where she has a studio. She is also engaged in a project with primary school children who draw on canvas and which she then stitches. Some of the range of delicate and beautiful pieces she brought to share with us are pictured below.
You can find more information at emily@emilyjogibbs>co.uk.
We also held our raffle with this month black and white bags, shown below skilfully decorated by Deborah and Sian. The raffle in November will be silver, with two other member completing bags. The November meeting will focus on activities towards Christmas, also giving us a chance to chat together.
Birmingham Embroidery and Textile Art 