Artist's Statement
With a background in performance art Jacqui brings the idea of the 'spectacular' into her textile work with a variety of techniques, bright colour, three dimensional elements and defining lines. She enjoys working with the concept of the 'revealed' and the 'concealed' often layering fabrics and exposing negative spaces. She explores the challenge of working on a large scale while retaining a fascination for areas of intricacy.
Jacqui's Christian faith forms the basis of all her textiles and her work often includes words which form part of the narrative. Whether the resulting textile is decorative, illustrative or conceptual it will have sprung from an idea which has captivated her!
Influences
Jacqui is fascinated by bright colours, as found in stained glass windows [especially Chagall] and medieval manuscripts. She also enjoys the essence of design captured in Matisse's paper 'cut-outs', Michelangelo's delicate cartoons and the epic art of Blake.
Materials and Methods
For Jacqui the design of the 'whole piece' is important but so are the detailed surface areas. Together they create interest from a distance but also hold fascination for those viewing the work closely. She likes to use natural fabrics - linens, wools and a variety of silks - but sometimes finds that ideas are best translated into manufactured materials, especially transparent fabrics. She uses simple machine and hand stitches and sometimes includes couched threads, beads and found natural objects. Light is also an important element in her work, either being projected through the pieces or creating ever changing shadows.
Jacqui likes to stitch words into her work and finds biblical references stimulating. The idea of interactive textiles excites her as she believes the tactile element of the fabric is an inherent part of its allure.
Current Exhibitions
The screens on creation, the journey, angels, water of life, beatitudes are on view at different times in Coventry Cathedral, Exeter Cathedral, Rochester Cathedral and Wimborne Abbey. Please contact individual cathedrals to see if there is an exhibition currently on view. All exhibitions are free.
Future Plans
Jacqui likes to work on commissions for individuals and groups inside and outside the church. Her passion is to see contemporary art work which 'speaks of Christ'. As she enjoys teaching she also likes to spend some time encouraging young artists in their work and running workshops for children and primary school teachers.