About
Kirsty uses recycled and reclaimed materials as a response to the throwaway culture of consumerism. Her work is concept led and exploits the overlooked qualities of the selected printed materials.
She challenges the preconceptions of embroidery and explores the potential of communicating a social message through the use of discarded household items, including plastic carrier bags and newspapers, using them as a format for embroidery.
Kirsty’s edgy stitch pieces have a graphic quality; they draw attention and comment on contemporary issues and affairs. Tactile typography aims to critique corporate culture and question society understands of value. Machine embroidery is inspired by newspaper headlines and mocks issues with playful humor. Embroidery has the power to transform; it enables the properties of materials to be manipulated, challenged and subverted.
She challenges the preconceptions of embroidery and explores the potential of communicating a social message through the use of discarded household items, including plastic carrier bags and newspapers, using them as a format for embroidery.
Kirsty’s edgy stitch pieces have a graphic quality; they draw attention and comment on contemporary issues and affairs. Tactile typography aims to critique corporate culture and question society understands of value. Machine embroidery is inspired by newspaper headlines and mocks issues with playful humor. Embroidery has the power to transform; it enables the properties of materials to be manipulated, challenged and subverted.
Professional
2017 Artist in Residence, Fibre Arts Australia, Fibre Arts Summer School, Ballarat Grammar, Victoria.
2009/2010 Artist In Residence, De Monfort University, Design Crafts.
Education
2006/2009 BA (Hons) Design Crafts, De Montfort University, First Class Honours.
Awards
2015 Employee of the year finalist, Inspire15 Business awards, North Hampshire.
2012 Embroiderers' Guild Scholar 18-30 2012/2013.
2010/2011 Selected for the Enterprise Inc Programme.
2009 The Embroiderers' Guild Selection for The Graduate Showcase.
Exhibitions (Selected)
2013 splendid stitches, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY MUSEUM, aylesbury.
2012/2013 Hemmed In: Embroidery and Needlework from MK and Beyond. MK Gallery, Milton Keynes.
2012 'Embroiderers' Guild Scholar' The Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London.
2012 'Embroiderers' Guild Scholar' The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate.
2012 'Found' exhibition, Unit twelve, stafford.
2012 Magnificent stitches, Guildford house gallery.
2012 lost & found exhibition, The Beetroot Tree Gallery. Draycott, Derbyshire.
2011 The Collective, LCB Depot, Leicester.
2010 UK YOUNG ARTISTS,University of Derby,Markeaton Street,Derby.
2010 The DegreeArt.com Signature Art Awards 2010, London.
2009 'Graduate showcase'The Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate , International Halls.
2009 'Graduate showcase' The Knitting & Stitching Show Dublin.
2009 New Designers, Business Design Centre , London.
2007 London Artist Book Fair, LCA, London.
2017 Artist in Residence, Fibre Arts Australia, Fibre Arts Summer School, Ballarat Grammar, Victoria.
2009/2010 Artist In Residence, De Monfort University, Design Crafts.
Education
2006/2009 BA (Hons) Design Crafts, De Montfort University, First Class Honours.
Awards
2015 Employee of the year finalist, Inspire15 Business awards, North Hampshire.
2012 Embroiderers' Guild Scholar 18-30 2012/2013.
2010/2011 Selected for the Enterprise Inc Programme.
2009 The Embroiderers' Guild Selection for The Graduate Showcase.
Exhibitions (Selected)
2013 splendid stitches, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE COUNTY MUSEUM, aylesbury.
2012/2013 Hemmed In: Embroidery and Needlework from MK and Beyond. MK Gallery, Milton Keynes.
2012 'Embroiderers' Guild Scholar' The Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London.
2012 'Embroiderers' Guild Scholar' The Knitting and Stitching Show, Harrogate International Centre, Harrogate.
2012 'Found' exhibition, Unit twelve, stafford.
2012 Magnificent stitches, Guildford house gallery.
2012 lost & found exhibition, The Beetroot Tree Gallery. Draycott, Derbyshire.
2011 The Collective, LCB Depot, Leicester.
2010 UK YOUNG ARTISTS,University of Derby,Markeaton Street,Derby.
2010 The DegreeArt.com Signature Art Awards 2010, London.
2009 'Graduate showcase'The Knitting & Stitching Show Harrogate , International Halls.
2009 'Graduate showcase' The Knitting & Stitching Show Dublin.
2009 New Designers, Business Design Centre , London.
2007 London Artist Book Fair, LCA, London.
