Victoria MacLeod
Victoria developed a fascination with threads and textures by learning to knit as a child. The passion the extended into surface stitching on fabric, fabric piecing and patchwork and rapidly became an obsession.
She has been a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild since 1995 and this has enabled develop close associations with like-minded people as well as giving the opportunity to partake in weekend workshops with accomplished tutors.
These, along with a regular annual residential weekend with Fusion Textile Artists, have provided the stimulus for the extension of the materials Victoria works with. Hand and machine stitching on fabric have been enhanced by a knowledge of felt-making, paper-making, printing, painting & dying, and recently – embossed metal artefacts. Applying ‘extra things’ has also become a feature, such as quirky bits and pieces picked up in DIY shops, accessory shops and charity shops as well as recycled disposable items. Beads, bones, buttons and washers are all hoarded with a view to use in textiles.
Recurring themes include the elements, beaches and seas, mechanical items, maps and Celtic knotwork, each providing in different ways shapes in which colour and texture can be used to advantage.