The Poetry of Stitch Competition
For All Ages
Richard Box
Trained at Goldsmiths' School of Art and went on to be 'Senior Lecturer' and finally 'Head of Art' at Avery Hill College of Education. In 1985 he resigned from the position in order to develop his own work.
He is a regular exhibitor and demonstrator at the Knitting and Stitching shows and other craft fairs. He gives talks to textile groups; particularly to branches of the Embroiderers' Guild throughout the country.
He runs courses in drawing, painting and his particular system of textile art which combines fabric collage with both machine and hand embroidery. He teaches these at various adult education centres as well as independent organisations.
His method during the period this piece was made, involved collecting and cutting many small pieces of fabric which he had stacked around him like a painter’s palette. Pieces are then stuck to the ground fabric with fabric adhesive. When sufficient pieces are in place his sewing machine was then set on a free zig zag stitch. Threads sometimes matching but sometimes in contrast. The surface is further textured by hand using long Straight Stitches or woolly French Knots
Find out more: richardbox.co.uk
Daisies
1978
Appliqué with machine embroidery.
Creative Prompt
Many people believe poetry needs to rhyme or have a particular rhythm. That there are rules to writing which must be followed. This is untrue. Poetry can be, within reason, anything you would like it to be. At its heart, it is a collection of carefully chosen words, arranged on a page, to give meaning to something. It is your personal expression.
Allow the words to do the work. Enjoy finding them, selecting them and deciding how to edit them. And if rhyme is your thing, then make sure it brings a new note to the way only you can sing. In fact, singing your poem and certainly reading it out, loud and proud, will help you hear words in new ways.
If you need inspiration, look at music, songs and performance poetry for guidance
Created by Marina Castledine, Creative Learning Consultant Fiona.
To print the image and the prompt, download the PDF: