Darren Ball

My use of embroidery has developed gradually over a period of years. Initially the stylised photographs of 1940’s Stitchcraft magazines inspired me. The photographic scenarios that were created have a gentle humour, when viewed today. I am interested in humour as a subject, which may be tinged with nostalgia or it may be contemporary and drawn out of current events. The subjects of my work are varied and tend to crystalize as ideas over a period of time. I also welcome the opportunity to work to commission, responding to personal photographs.

I exploit the restrictions of free embroidery to create my images. I combine the economy of continuous line drawing with applique of flat areas of patterned fabric to create a stylised image.