Sandy Embroidery
It started with a walk on the sand, a hidden dune sheltered from the wind and from the sight of anyone. The silence was intimidating, I made progress slowly careful to not disturb whatever could be living here as for sure I wasn’t alone. Have you ever had this feeling that you are entering a special place and that all rational thoughts are wiped away by themselves. The sensation that some living beings are observing you. They are not animals, they are not human but definitely, there is something, wrapping your senses in a peaceful and soft imaginary coat.
I felt this in the past, in my native Jurassian forest, during winter. I can assure you that spruce and pine trees are not dormant, Snow can bogged them down, they are more than ever awake and observe you, they whisper words in their old language. Nothing is moving, nothing is singing. Only the foot step on the snow, left by birds, rabbits, foxes and deers brings you to reality. A forest covered by a thick coat of white blueish snow is a unique experience. Leave the path and stick your whole soul in this ephemeral wonderland. Leave your body sink step after step in the virgin powder. The only music will be the snow surrendering in a muffled crack.
There is barely snow where I leave now, and so few trees. However there is sand with its eternal display of texture and pattern constantly moving, changing and indefatigably offering a grant show.
In this dune, that day, I found an amazing picture. Surprisingly the sand was strong and steady, even my shoes didn’t left a single mark. I took photos, again and again. A succession of lines, pushing each other like trying to get closer to a gathering of circle tied together.
When I create an embroidered piece I get inspiration from what I have seen. Stabbing and stitching are a great source of relaxation and satisfaction. That is all naturally that I used the photos and memories of this wild sand painting to design my current work in progress. Again, Open Studios Hebrides was the perfect moment to stretch a canvas (here the remain of a cotton pillow case). Pencil was my first tool to trace lines and curves. Then came the best moment, stitching and stabbing! This stage will be the longest one, dozen of hours will be necessary to achieve this journey. A selection of grey and black thread with a sandy beige shade.
