‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels
Experimenting conceptually, structurally and aesthetically this work references historical Verdure Tapestries. Rhythmical repetition of foliage, gradients and decreasing weight of silks poetically allude to text, passage of time and cultural continuity. Departing from traditional language, meaning is placed in cloth. Occasional glimmer and hand gilded accents reexamine the concept of preciousness - for, both books and textiles are keepers of knowledge, custodians of culture and true treasure.
Elena Sparke
Farnham, England
‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels, © Matthew Burch Photography18th century French linen, silks, hand cut stencils, hand-applied fresh leaf and natural vat Japanese indigo, woad and inks (grown and processed by the artist), 23 ct genuine gold leaf, stainless steel wire, beeswax. Handmade. Conservation quality art frames, 70% UV block glass and 1% reflection. Artist signature placement – fourth frame, front bottom right, hand-stitched initials. 71 x 71 cm box frames. Weight, each – 800 g; total - 3,2 kg.
‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels, © Matthew Burch Photography18th century French linen, silks, hand cut stencils, hand-applied fresh leaf and natural vat Japanese indigo, woad and inks (grown and processed by the artist), 23 ct genuine gold leaf, stainless steel wire, beeswax. Handmade. Conservation quality art frames, 70% UV block glass and 1% reflection. Artist signature placement – fourth frame, front bottom right, hand-stitched initials. 71 x 71 cm box frames. Weight, each – 800 g; total - 3,2 kg.
‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels, © Matthew Burch Photography18th century French linen, silks, hand cut stencils, hand-applied fresh leaf and natural vat Japanese indigo, woad and inks (grown and processed by the artist), 23 ct genuine gold leaf, stainless steel wire, beeswax. Handmade. Conservation quality art frames, 70% UV block glass and 1% reflection. Artist signature placement – fourth frame, front bottom right, hand-stitched initials. 71 x 71 cm box frames. Weight, each – 800 g; total - 3,2 kg.
‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels, © Matthew Burch Photography18th century French linen, silks, hand cut stencils, hand-applied fresh leaf and natural vat Japanese indigo, woad and inks (grown and processed by the artist), 23 ct genuine gold leaf, stainless steel wire, beeswax. Handmade. Conservation quality art frames, 70% UV block glass and 1% reflection. Artist signature placement – fourth frame, front bottom right, hand-stitched initials. 71 x 71 cm box frames. Weight, each – 800 g; total - 3,2 kg.
‘Tapestries of Time: Verdure Reimagined’ (2024), four narrative textile relief panels, © Matthew Burch Photography18th century French linen, silks, hand cut stencils, hand-applied fresh leaf and natural vat Japanese indigo, woad and inks (grown and processed by the artist), 23 ct genuine gold leaf, stainless steel wire, beeswax. Handmade. Conservation quality art frames, 70% UV block glass and 1% reflection. Artist signature placement – fourth frame, front bottom right, hand-stitched initials. 71 x 71 cm box frames. Weight, each – 800 g; total - 3,2 kg.