The Textile Study Group

Gwen Hedley

Gwen Hedley, Fractured. A reference to the fracturing of communities through armed conflict, brought about by those with power. A painted whole cloth, cut, ripped and randomly reassembled.
Gwen Hedley, Fractured (detail).
Gwen Hedley, UNmaking.
Gwen Hedley, Restoring. A contemporary interpretation of old traditionally embroidered threadbare braid, undergoing repair.
Gwen Hedley, Restoring (detail).
Gwen Hedley, Restoring. A contemporary interpretation of old traditionally embroidered threadbare braid, undergoing repair.
Gwen Hedley, Restoring (detail).
Gwen Hedley, Diminishing (detail).
Gwen Hedley, Waxwork. Trials with paper, wax, cloth and thread.
Gwen Hedley, Waxwork (detail).
Gwen Hedley, Another Place Sketchbook. Pages exploring colours and textures of Another Time XXI.
Gwen Hedley, Visual References — “Another Time” Figures. Photographs taken during the 2017 Folkestone Triennial. Antony Gormley’s figures Another Time XXI and XVII.

Artist Statement

My local shore and inland walks energise me and enable clearer thinking. I collect pieces of metal, papers, cloth and stone—all changed by time and elements into objects with different beauty that rarely fails to engage me. These finds underpin much of my work.

Marcus Aurelius said: "Nature, which governs the whole, will soon change all things which you see...and out of their substance, will make other things."

Fundamental marks, scars and signs of disintegration excite me. I find detail through close examination and magnification, then draw, isolate areas, change scale, tear and reposition pieces. This opens pathways for abstract design and stitching.

I often make intaglio prints onto paper and cloth, combining them to unify materials and enhance design.

My colour palette has become monochrome, exploring tonal change. My latest works—50cm of Rock—focus on marks and holes in rocks through small, intensively hand-stitched pieces emphasising surface texture, colour shift and deep cellular patterns.

Available For

  • Courses
  • Talks
  • Writing articles
  • Exhibitions
  • Collaborations

Location

South East Kent

Member Since

2001

Email

gwenhedley2@gmail.com

Links

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