‘A particular object represents a huge part of a person’s life history, becoming entwined and unable to be free from each other because of so much value that the object holds; determining and keeping alive a feeling of the past and a multiple of memories about that person.’ Janet Hoskins, Biographical Objects: How Things Tell the Stories of People’s Lives (New York and London: Routledge, 1998), p. 2.
I gain my inspiration from old family possessions, archives and all types of objects. The narrative that can be built within certain items and objects I like to project with my embroidery onto vintage materials.
The association of building my own embroidery on already hand embroidered linen, doilies and handkerchiefs aesthetically builds nostalgia and memories that has been sown in to it. But also re-using the materials gives me a sense of appreciation towards the original maker. In a modern world these domestic items are being thrown away or stored and collecting dust. My practice is bringing them back to life, to give them new purpose.
More information can be found on my blog: http://www.phillipaspiller.blogspot.com/
