Foxgloves

Mounted on board, W40 cm × H44 cm with brown linen fabric border.

Embroidery is W31 cm × H34 cm.

Machine embroidery with mixed fibres and embellishment

Inspired by the extraordinary abundance of foxgloves growing in the garden during lockdown, this piece began as an attempt to capture a particularly memorable season of flowering.

The work has undergone several transformations since its original creation, being cut, rearranged and reworked until a more satisfying balance emerged between representation and abstraction.

Vertical panels of contrasting colour and texture create a rhythmic, almost architectural structure, while the vivid pink foxgloves provide an exuberant counterpoint to the surrounding greens and pale blues. Their forms are simplified and repeated, becoming decorative elements within the overall composition rather than strictly botanical representations.

Metallic threads, scattered sequins and deliberately loose thread ends introduce movement, sparkle and spontaneity, softening the geometric arrangement.

The finished work reflects an ongoing exploration of the relationship between abstraction and recognisable imagery, and the possibilities of transforming an existing piece through experimentation and reinvention.