Textile Study Group

artists and tutors sharing ideas imagination and skills

Lois Blackburn

Lois Blackburn. Phoenix Fan, 2023 Silk, batik, bamboo. Investigating symptoms of the menopause. Photo credit: Curtis James.
Lois Blackburn. Phoenix fan, 2022 Folding fan, batik on silk. Part of a collection investigating the menopause.
Lois Blackburn. Detail of Blood Sweat and Tears, 2020 Silk, batik, dyes, wadding. Investigating symptoms of the menopause.
Lois Blackburn. Detail of Blood Sweat and Tears, 2020 Silk, batik, dyes, wadding. Investigating symptoms of the menopause.
Lois Blackburn. Phoenix fan, 2022 Folding fan, batik on silk. Part of a collection investigating the menopause.
Lois Blackburn. Waving or Drowning 2022 Brise hand fan, recycled card and paper, bamboo, wire. Printed and painted. Investigating mental health and the menopause.
Lois Blackburn. Necklace of Stars, 2022 Quilt made with recycled, reused fabric, threads, sequins, beads. Made in collaboration with isolated older people in Derbyshire.
Lois Blackburn. Fresh Air & Poverty, 2017 Embroidered quilt. Part of project ‘Stitching the Wars’, Photo Garry Lomas, taken at National Trust’s Lyme Park.

 

Artist statement

I often use quilt forms and most recently hand fans, to create brightly coloured artworks. I aim to create artworks that give space to subjects that might be embarrassing, painful or simply hidden from view, be it grief, health issues or body-image.

From 2006-2021 I co-established/directed/ran Community Interest Company arthur+martha

I have exhibited my solo and socially engaged art practice extensively, with exhibitions at the Houses of Parliament, Peoples History Museum, The Royal Festival Hall Southbank, Imperial War Museum North, Bury Art Gallery, Bingo Halls and numerous healthcare venues and internationally at the National Gallery of Art in Vilnius, Lithuania.

I have been commissioned for a wide range of public art and private artworks and my artwork is held in public collections.

My art rejoices in peoples strength, shares ways to overcome adversity, frames experiences in new ways to understand, share & celebrate.

Information

Browse artists