Martha Blackburn

Student / Textile Art Category

"These embroideries are a personal study of portraiture, light and shade"

— Martha Blackburn
Mentor – Nelly Agassi

For my Hand and Lock submission I have developed a series of embroidered portraits. These embroideries are an exploration of photography, drawing and embroidery. I have an interest in the interrelationship between these three media and the ways in which contemporary art and craft can be continually informed by traditional methods. These embroideries are a personal study of portraiture, light and shade. I have chosen a subtle colour palette of shades of blue. Blue is a tranquil and deep colour which for me, has helped to reflect the harmony and serenity I am attempting in my work.

The portraits are intensified by the use of a limited colour palette and a single line. By the use of subtle colours and limited line I have been able to explore tone and composition, as well as present a simple reflection of a moment in human experience.
I am a Third Year Future Tutor studying at the Royal School of Needlework. I am also a Textiles graduate from Manchester School of Art (B.A. Hons). I decided to enter my work to the Hand and Lock Prize in Hand Embroidery as I am particularly interested in this year’s brief, ‘The Poetics of Colour’.

I was inspired by the diversity of work exhibited at the exhibition last year. Entering the competition has given me an opportunity to challenge myself and produce a series of embroideries which explore the relationship between fine art and the craft of hand embroidery.

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Martha Blackburn
Martha Blackburn - image from the official 2020 Prize shoot
Martha Blackburn - supporting image
Martha Blackburn - supporting image
Martha Blackburn
Martha Blackburn - image from the official 2020 Prize shoot
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