Ruth Issett
Ruth Issett. Logic v. Instinct, 2023 (Making:50) Dyed and Stitched fabrics 10 units of 5 (10cm) cubes exploring the combination of ten different dye colours onto a range of plant, silk and manmade fabrics. The units can be viewed individually or as an installation.
Ruth Issett. Luxuriant Glance
Ruth Issett. Over the Horizon 2021 (detail) Layered dyed fabrics 50cm x 40cm Framed composition using layers of both transparent and opaque fabrics exploiting the surface qualities of different weaves and finishes.
Ruth Issett. Circles 1, 2021 Print, dyed and layered fabrics 60cm x 50cm Layers of dyed silk organza, chiffon and cotton organdie, printed, hand and machine stitched.
Ruth Issett. Orange and Turquoise Encounter 2020 Layers of dyed fabrics 20cm x 30cm Unframed hand dyed silk organza and silk chiffon, layered together with hand stitch
Ruth Issett. Spiralling Vortex detail
Ruth Issett. Whirlwind & Weather
Ruth Issett. Red with Verticals and Diagonals, 2021 (detail) Layers of hand dyed and printed fabrics 40cm x 53cm Framed layers of hand dyed and printed silk organza, chiffon and cotton organdie with additional stitching.
Artist statement
For many years my main focus has been a fascination with colour, the excitement of creating it, mixing and watching it meander and mix across a surface. Often when working with liquid colour on paper and fabric there is an urgency to make decisions, to control, limit or restrict. Wet colour appears dark but once dry it reveals variations of intensity or subtlety as well as responding to the material surface.
This exploration of colour has become very central to my working practice. I explore different paper surfaces working with dense absorbent paper as well as fine lightweight tissues from across the world. I strengthen, layer and laminate and colour to build delicate or strong intense colours.
Work on paper helps to drive and influence further research into methods of impregnating a fabric surface with dyes and other media. Using accessible techniques such as simple printing and dye painting, I enjoy the spontaneity and the opportunity to observe and manipulate the materials, both the liquids and surfaces. I colour and pattern a range of surfaces, flimsy, transparent, translucent, opaque, rough or smooth, observing their response to the differing surfaces. There is an energy and excitement that is addictive.
These collections, colourful and varied are then combined, layered stitched and manipulated into compositions, compilations and collections. Gradually some order or themes emerge, reflecting a meandering joyful journey of colourful exploration and sharing.
Responding to specific projects helps to challenge me as well as stimulate new ideas and methods. Discussing and working together with colleagues generates further ideas and gives me an additional focus. The opportunity to teach or share with students gives additional focus as well as a different perspective.
As always, the 'what if' remains central to my practice, giving excitement and focus.
Information
Browse artists
