HAND & LOCK:

PRIZE FOR EMBROIDERY 2022

The Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery is an annual global competition established in 2000 to promote the fine art of embroidery.

To address the 2022 theme of New Nature, I adapted my Undergrowth collection of accessories into an interactive beaded hood with individual beaded insects and flowers. The inspiration for this work comes from the fascinating worlds of insects and plants that live all around us. Through my research I discovered incredible techniques that plants and insects use to survive, grow and connect with each other and their environments. An example being the way trees can communicate with one another and release chemicals into their leaves to prevent attack from caterpillars. Documentaries such as the David Attenborough series ‘The Green Planet’ helped me understand these interesting behaviours in more depth, and they became key inspirations.

I attached the 3 dimensional beaded insects and flowers to the hood using magnets so they are easily removable and can be worn separately using hairclips and brooch pins that I also made with magnet attachments. Environmental considerations were central when choosing materials for this hood. All the acrylic used is recycled/recyclable and many of the fabrics and beads are second hand. This includes the small leather elements to the bugs which are locally sourced scrap from industry, and the clear plastic in the pink flowers which is upcycled lids that would otherwise be in landfill.

research & design

I explored my ideas through unique drawings and material experimentation. This led me to developing the technique of using beads and jump rings to connect individual laser cut elements into 3D sculptures with unique movement. I used this method to create the insects from recycled and recyclable acrylic with some locally sourced scrap leather. The bright colours and fun movement to the bugs makes them engaging and inviting for people to explore through play. Each of the beaded sculptures come together to create the final embroidered hood, along with pink flowers made from hand dyed silk, laser cut sequins, upcycled clear plastic lids and wooden tubing.