ELIZABETH CONNOLLY
2024
Hand embroidery on organic cotton base
40cm x 26cm x 50cm
 
Organic cotton, recycled cotton, banana, pineapple, cotlin, banana cotton, recycled wool, wool boucle, merino wool, felted cable wool, cotton silk, paper, linen, bamboo, second hand threads and more.
 
The Footstool in Warwickshire Tales is a unique piece, meticulously crafted using a variety of sustainable and natural materials. Each thread in this artwork tells a story of its own, echoing Elizabeth's dedication to environmental responsibility and her passion for embroidery.
 
Any plastic based threads incorporated into the piece have been either recycled or sourced second-hand, ensuring that no new plastic was used. 
 
The use of diverse fibres allowed Elizabeth to delve into the characteristics of each natural thread. Engaging with raw textile fibres was a pivotal aspect of her process, providing her with a greater understanding of thread formation. With a hand spinner, she spun her own threads, giving the embroidery a personal touch that reflects the connection between the artist and her materials.
 
The footstool is adorned with patches of traditional canvaswork embroidery, raisedwork beads to add dimension and inscriptions of Warwickshire folklore.
 
Elizabeth Connolly, a hand embroiderer raised in Warwickshire, finds inspiration in nature and material. Her connection to her home county is reflected in her graduate collection, Warwickshire Tales, which delves into local folklore using an array of natural and sustainable materials.
 
During her studies at the Royal School of Needlework, Elizabeth's passion for natural and unconventional materials became a staple of her work. This led her to explore resourceful and environmentally conscious sourcing methods, constantly mindful of the world around her.
 
Elizabeth's approach to embroidery is both explorative and innovative. By engaging with diverse and raw textile fibres, she has gained an understanding of the materials she works with, enhancing the depth of her embroidery. 
 
Throughout Warwickshire Tales, Elizabeth has created not just a functional object, but a work of art that embodies the spirit of sustainability, the beauty of natural materials, and the tales of Warwickshire.
 
Please contact Elizabeth for commissions:
econnolly.embroidery@outlook.com