Alfrescos

‘Artist in Residency’ Córtex Frontal Portugal
During this period I explored “Meaning Making”, which is an indigenous cultural concept, whereby shared moments are captured and stored within physical objects, locations and patterns.

The concept of “Meaning making” resonates with me as textiles and embroidery have been interwoven in my family for generations and I am interested in how they can be handed down the physical action of pattern making. This group of embroideries is a a contemplative response to this during the residency.

I examined the patterns of the beautiful 18th Century house in the little village of Arraiolos, on the Alentejo plateau, Portugal - the frescoes that adorned the walls and were partly revealed. The embroidery patterns and embroidery books from the 1940s of left in the house by the original owners - Maria Luisa and Maria Angelica.

The designs were made “On Country” with sourced all her materials whilst in Portugal - Portuguese linen, wool and cotton threads. I used a range of traditional Portuguese embroidery stitches including the Arraiolos stitch and ink painting in each piece.

I asked the question, what do these remnants of designs and patterns tell us about the people who lived in the village and the house. Their identity, values and connection to then and now.