Freeforming the Four Seasons

Article Added: 02/07/2009 12:21:03
By Natalie Fulcher

‘Four Seasons’ is a collective display of the works of 52 freeform crochet artists from around the world and makes up an inspirational online exhibition. The freeform crochet website www.freeformcrochet.com compares the technique to painting, saying the ‘hook is a brush and the yarn a paint… the result can be abstract or realistic.’

The down-to-earth freeform philosophy is intended to encourage artists to develop their own unique style within their work, rather than comparing themselves to other people. It is this idea which has led to the eclectic mix of freeform crochet for the ‘Four Seasons’ 2009 exhibition. The brief was to interpret one or more aspects of the four seasons; either focusing on one particular time or the whole cycle. The fantastic range of work produced demonstrates the creative possibilities of unrestricting this practical technique and following through a personal narrative.

Steph Phillips from Bedfordshire, who learnt to crochet at the age of 8, created an exciting collection of crochet embellished bags, inspired by spring and summer, for the exhibition. Her titles ‘Emerging’ and ‘Rockpooling’ represent her personal response to the theme, portraying local pond life and her family sea-side holidays in the UK. She describes on her website how her passion for textiles and jewellery has resulted in the experimental form of crochet and finds that it is a great form of therapy! You can find more information about her work at www.hookandscumble.blogspot.com.

One of the most beautiful works of crochet that really stood out to me was Diane Olsen’s ‘Spring Necklace.’ The piece was so well refined that, with its sumptuous colours and lustrous qualities, it could almost be mistaken for a piece of contemporary jewellery itself.

Leslie Nelle Urinyi’s tactile garment evokes the season of winter. Her stunning shoulder-piece is reminiscent of vintage lace. By confining herself to using only shades of white and ivory, Leslie utilised yarns from her existing stash, including merino wool, cottons and wool-acrylic blends.

The delicate and lace-like fabrics produced by Myra Wood described spring, summer at the beach, autumn and winter, and are further examples of fine freeform crochet, as are Zelda Pheonix’s elegant jewellery and neck pieces. In particular her ‘Winter: Berry Brambles and Snow’ and ‘Spring: Lilac Lariat’ have the most subtle and attractive colour palettes that depict the essence of winter and spring.

Patrice Walker’s gorgeous crochet bags really capture her response, through colour, to her home in Hawaii. Some of the yarns used within her work are re-cycled and eco-friendly, representing the place she describes as ‘timeless beauty’.

The poetic titles within Cathy Shaughnessy’s work refer to the seasons with charm and individuality. ‘I Dreamt of Snow,’ ‘Spring at Last,’ ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream,’ and ‘Autumn Rhapsody,’ all encapsulate her crochet pieces which display the ephemeral features of the seasons and their effects on nature. Similarly, Sheila Arthurs features bright orange and yellow colours with intricate detailing as her beautiful depiction of summer.

These are just a few of the inspiring artists exhibiting online. To see all the exhibitors work please visit the online exhibition at www.freeformcrochet.com. The exhibition is also available in the format of a publication from Steph Phillips’ blogspot, with money raised from the book going to the Global Fund for Women. You can visit this at www.hookandscumble.blogspot.com.

We would love to know your thoughts on the exhibition. Which were your favourite pieces? Which exhibitors stood out to you? Let us know by leaving your comments in the box below.