Migration has been the subject of great controversy around the world. The Crossings  on the English Channel, migrants in the
USA, Europe, Africa, Asia, Central  America, and around the Globe has been the source  of investigation in current work. Being an 
immigrant from Kenya, to England and the U.S.A. has reflected on  many of the concerns one has to face,that of adjusting  to another world.
The body of work in this Project address some of these issues. The materials used are textiles as this was my major several decades ago at
Art College and at a time when Embroidery/Textiles was not considered an Art Form.  The medium used is combined with wood (Laser Cutter) in recent work which is in its infancy as there is much experimentation and methods of process to learn. Stitch and text in used in conjunction with the laser. I have included a body of work wherein this process is illustrated in the examples.
 Size is immaterial in the creation of work .Content,context and raising awareness to these issues is a primary
concern.





  • Tunnel Crossing Side View .jpg
    Tunnel Crossing Side View .jpg
    In some parts of the world migrants cross via the English Channel. This image represents the Tunnel and the Bridge. The view shows the work created with contrasting materials i.e. Velvet vs. Wood. The soft and the hard. Traditional skills are employed with contemporary methods of working. The image alludes to various levels of thought. Dimensions: 13"Hx19"Wx3"D 2018
  • Tunnel Crossing Front View 2.jpg
    Tunnel Crossing Front View 2.jpg
    Tunnel Crossing Front View shows the migrants crossing with just one luggage. The fabric created images of a child and a parent. The wood base is joined or attached by means of heavy twine twisted and stitched to add form and solidity to the fabric created tunnel.
  • Tunnel Crossing detail.jpg
    Tunnel Crossing detail.jpg
    The details show the patterns and design created on the sewing machine. The base is wood joined by means of twine that creates a design and also has the strength to hold the tunnel.
  • The Shroud Front View 2.jpg
    The Shroud Front View 2.jpg
    A disguise alluding to the escape of migrants, Ann Maria Weems -a covering. The front view shows the clothing copper woven wire (hard) incorporated with the soft wire mesh which is tucked, pleated to add form and dimension. Dimensions: 36"Hx42"Wx9"D 2017
  • 1. THE SHROUD .jpg
    1. THE SHROUD .jpg
    The Shroud or Covering alludes to the many disguises migrants or the young Ann Maria Weems used to escape turmoil from the country of origin. The work is made of wire mesh tuck, pleated to add dimension. Dimensions: 36"Hx42"WX9"D
  • The Shroud detail.jpg
    The Shroud detail.jpg
    A detail of the covering that alludes to the escape of the young girl Ann Maria Weems who lived in Rockville (1800s).The work shows the detail of the wire mesh which is stitched to represent tucks, knots etc.
  • In Transit.jpg
    In Transit.jpg
    The history of Rockville,MD, addressed the escape of Ann Maria Weems, a young girl who went to Canada. This work represents her journey via the woods and is a contemporary version of the migration. The work is on twigs using plaster cast of my own body. Copper mesh is contrasted with the satin fabric (smooth). Dimensions: 24"Hx24"Wx10"D 2017
  • The Ship Wreck View 3 2.jpg
    The Ship Wreck View 3 2.jpg
    Migration is an important topic at present and all over the Globe. This image represents the dangerous voyage made migrants all over the World. The image represents a ship showing the materials to show land (Leather) wood and the sails (textiles). The contrast of materials used represents land, sea,and resistance of will. Dimensions: 14"HX12"WX6"D 2017
  • The Landing -2019 3.jpg
    The Landing -2019 3.jpg
    The Landing relates to the migrants all over the Globe who undergo drastic measures in order to reach a land of Hope and Peace. The work illustrates the land, sea, and torments of the journeys encountered by the migrants. The work shows contrasting materials to represent these perils. Leather, translucent and opaque textiles showing traditional and contemporary skills to execute the work. Dimensions: 24"Hx30"Wx8"D 2017
  • The Landing View 1 2.jpg
    The Landing View 1 2.jpg
    The image illustrates the waves across the seas and the land. The image of the child and parent is 3D. Contrast of materials textiles opaque and transparent. Dimensions: 24"HX30"WX8"D 2017
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