Wilcom Associate Award for Textile Art & The Design Trust Winner

Epilogue/Prologue is inspired by the shocking fact that the mass of man made materials on earth now outweighs that of all living things. Through this piece, the artist explores her fears about the future, and whether the changing climate will lead to mass food shortages and wars over access to safe places to live. The chaise longue fabric appears to be traditional Toile de Jouy from a distance, which the artist used to highlight the cognitive dissonance between the idyllic pastoral scenes and the real-world actions of humans. As the design progresses, it shifts from a typical rural scene to images of pollution, urbanisation and environmental destruction. The foot of the chaise longue depicts the artist’s fears for the future with images of war and mass migration driven by basic needs for food and safety.

Political will may be insufficient to prevent these outcomes, however the resilience of nature offers hope. The planet has endured significant climate changes and life has always found a way to continue.

The piece celebrates the natural world’s resilience and ability to adapt and thrive. The leaves and ferns encapsulate the wonder of fresh spring growth returning after winter, the vivid colours of unfurling fronds and fresh new leaves, and their almost miraculous rebirth year after year. It represents the comfort and luxury that many have enjoyed, now succumbing to decay. Traces of past lives are revealed as it deteriorates, contrasting the transient state of human creations against the enduring forces of nature.