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.

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!

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.

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