Alison Holt BA Machine Embroidery Artist

ARTISTIC DIRECTION

These examples show how my work is evolving through technique and subject matter .

Painting with stitches has always been my primary intention and the addition of silk painting gives the work another dimension

During the 1990's I created a large body of work using the same techniques of painted silk backgrounds as a base for stitched detail

The subject matter moved from landscapes to gardens and then to woodlands.Incorporating snow scenes, fruit, vegetables and close ups of flowers along the way

The publishing of my various books has either reflected each period or helped create it

Since then I have been exploring different approaches to my work and the most recent is at the top of the selection shown below.

Each phase of development is demonstrated in one or more examples from the period.

please point your mouse at a thumbnail to see a larger image.

texture

Currently I am drawn to working on a larger scale incorporating more texture in the stitching.

Building up longer stitches into actual physical depth with real shadows rather than an illusionary one created in colour and tone.

seascape

A new direction where the work is about movement, texture and the transparency of water interpreted with stitch rather than using paint.

Earlier embroideries always had water realised with paint.

contre jour

An exploration of capturing the early morning light, often with frost laden plants.

There are more examples in my book 'Machine Embroidered Flowers'.

painted

All my work is a combination of silk painting and stitch.

This is a period where the visible painted area necessarily became more detailed and a significant part of the finished embroidery.

This led me to develop my painting skills on silk.

classic

Painting with stitches based on a close observation of my colour photography - work extends from early 90's to 2000.