KATIE BELL

Stumpwork

'Thank you David'

 

Final size: 170 x 220mm

On silk with gold, silver, stranded cotton DMC and Anchor threads, wired organza shapes, needlelace slips, various materials, beads and textures.

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My art teacher, Mr Scott, introduced me to David Hockney’s work when I was 13, when I visited his 1988 Retrospective exhibition at Tate Britain. His swimming pool paintings instantly amazed me with their bold colour, light, and subject matter. I have loved Hockney’s work ever since, especially the way he represents the world and simply “tells it” as he sees it. My stumpwork embroidery is a celebration of his influence, translating his distinctive visual style into playful texture and stitch. 

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I considered various representations Hockney had made of the surface of a swimming pool. I created my own interpretation expressing the playful movement of the ripples on the surface of the pool and the iconic splash, which I did decide to add in the end to finish off my piece.

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Supporting imagery:

• David Hockney's work

• Reference shots and planning

• Wired palm leaf slips and diving board

• Minute cigarette

• Details of work in progress