TEXTILE ART

My machine embroideries are based on life drawings I did many years ago. I started drawing with the machine to try and show people that needle and thread are as much an artists tools as paint and paintbrush, pencil and paper, pen and ink.

Blue Turban


cotton batik, machine embroidery
sold

Foot Study

linen, machine embroidery
14" x 18"
$200

Slouch Socks

linen, machine embroidery
27" x 17"
$200

Stretch

machine embroidery on silk organza
18" x 9"
$175

Miniatures

all pieces are 3" x 4"
mounted to 8" x 10"
for a frame 9 1/4" x 11 1/4"

Crouching Nude (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
$90 (frame included)

Reclining Nude (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery, silk paint
$130 (frame included)

France (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

Turban (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

Michel (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

Sofa Nude (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

Stretch (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

Ringlets (Miniature)


silk, machine embroidery
sold

BOXES

The expression "Good things come in little packages" implies that what's inside the box is the best part. I like to make the package as appealing as whatever it may contain.

Miniature gourds are delicate and light, and paired with silk and copper or silver make delightful packages!

Copper Gourd

silk-lined gourd, coiled base, copper detail
3" x 2" x 2 1/2"
$125

DOLLS

Dolls seem to invoke different reactions in people. Many of us (both girls and boys) grew up with some kind of attachment to a doll or stuffed animal, with which we shared our secrets.

My dolls evolve from memories, remembered phrases, and sometimes found objects that I have picked up in familiar places. They are personal to me because of where they came from, but at the same time they evoke memories in others of past experiences. I hope they speak to you.

Ivey

wire armature base with soft sculpture
sold

Jack had a heart of ice. His only love was for painting.

wire armature base with soft sculpture & oil stained glass window
sold

Tom the Shepherd and Puppy

wire armature base with soft sculpture
commission
sold

Edward found himself at loose ends, after he retired from the theatre.

balsa wood marionette
10" x 6" x 7"
$200

BIOGRAPHY

Elaine was born in London, England in 1964, by the age of 5 she had already discovered a love of textiles. Taught by her mother and both grandmothers she was soon sewing, knitting, and embroidering anything she could get her hands on. As a child she designed and made clothing for first her dolls and then for herself.

In 1978 she moved to Canada with her parents where they settled in London, Ontario.

At 17, after collecting antique clothing for several years, Elaine started volunteering in the wardrobe department at The Grand Theatre. This led to her enrolling at The National Theatre School in Montreal where she studied Costume and Set Design for the following 3 years.

In 1986 she moved back to London, Ontario with her husband and new baby, and started working full time at The Grand Theatre. Working initially as a seamstress, Elaine soon found herself also making jewellery, hats, and other accessories. After a few seasons she became Assistant Head of Wardrobe and stayed in this capacity until she left to pursue her own interests in 2001.

From 2001 to 2007 Elaine worked with Paddy Kelleher Designs making Irish Dance costume.

As it has since childhood, the manipulation of fabric has seemed natural to Elaine and she often found herself studying a plant or object, trying to figure out how she could make it using fibre. Elaine has always worked with an idea or phrase in mind and just let the piece evolve using natural fibres. The juxtaposition of hard objects like: gourds, wood, silver, and copper with softer fibres like: linen, wool, and silk gives a welcome challenge to the eye.

Elaine has exhibited work in several shows over the past few years, and when she is not working at The Art Exchange, she is starting to explore the simple lines of machine embroidery. The next challenge will be to combine these embroidered lines with her gourd boxes.

CURRICULUM VITAE

Education

National Theatre School, Montreal, PQ

1982-1985
Costume and Set Design.

Embroiderers Guild, London, ON

1996-2004
Evening Guild Member
1999-2008
Day Guild Member

Guild Summer Workshop

2003
The Essence of Nature. Gail Harker
2002
Portraits. Barbara Klunder
2001
Not Just Fibre, Not Just Feltmaking. Sarah Lawrence
2000
The Art of The Handmade Book. Margi Hennen
1999
Dolls. Kathryn Belzer
1998
Colour, Pattern, and Process. Marian Spandjert
 

Employment

2008-
The Art Exchange, London, ON.
2000-2007
Paddy Kelleher Design, London, ON.
Irish Dance Costumes
1986-2000
The Grand Theatre, London, ON.
Costume and Accessories Builder.
 

Shows

Juried Shows

2008
3rd Annual Miniatures Show.
The Art Exchange, London, ON.
2007
2rd Annual Miniatures Show.
The Art Exchange, London, ON.
2006
Art Mart. Museum London.
2004
Art Mart. Museum London.
2004
Art in the Heart of London.
St. Pauls Cathedral, London, ON.
2003
Exhibition of recent works by CEG.
Central Library, London, ON.
2002
Art Mart. Museum London.
2002
Tir Fo Thuinn "The land Under the Waves"
2001
Salon De Refuse.
Cherryhill Library, London, ON.
2001
Threadworks: "Elements" & "Underground Treasure."
Fergus, ON.
2000
Threaded Images: A Wearable Art Fashion Show
London, ON.
1987
Threadwords: "Nightclub"

Collective Shows

2007
"Outside the Box"
Masonville Library, London, ON.
2006
"Meanderings"
The Arts Project, London, ON.
2005
"When is a Doll Not a Doll"
Masonville Library, London, ON.
2004
"The Uncommon Doll Show"
Ingersoll, ON.
2004
Retrospective Show.
Canadian Embroiderers Evening Guild.
Masonville Library, London, ON.
2003
"Off on a Tangent"
Masonville Library, London, ON.
2000
"Women of Substance"
Masonville Library, London, ON.
 

Teaching

2002
Exploring the Third Dimension (w/ Jan Taylor)
2002
Marionettes
2001
Stumpwork Dragonflies (w/ Jackie Venus)
1999
Celtic Design (w/ Paddy Richardson)
1997
Hats and Pillows
 

CONTACT

If you are interested in purchasing a completed piece, having a work commissioned, or just want to say hello, please feel free to contact me via email: ella_sew<at>rogers<dot>com