Textile artists and authors, Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn, have worked together for over 45 years. Their Rhythms & Reflections exhibition builds on their love of detailed hand and machine embroidered surfaces.
Join Jan and Jean, as they share the stitches and techniques that created the work.
Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn: https://doubletrouble-ent.com/
Books by Jan and Jean: https://amzn.to/4bN0G3N
Jan’s work is inspired by the ever-changing landscape of the Wetlands of Lefkada in Greece.
“The colours and organic growth patterns provided the initial fascination. Excitement followed by observations of the lush, overgrown variety of grasses, which offered layers of glorious textures yet still maintain the rhythms and constrictions of the tidal waterways. Intriguing light and atmospheric changes in early evening and after sundown have led to developing new focal points.”
Jean’s work centres on the rhythms and cycles of the moon, and she reflects on how our ancestors viewed these phenomena as evidenced in cultural myths and legends.
“During lockdown, the phases of the moon embodied continuity and reassurance in an uncertain world and became the focus of her work. Moon mythology informed pieces such as ‘Wolf Moon’ and ‘Sturgeon Moon’, whereas other works were responses to night-time observations of atmospheric cloud framed moons.“
Filmed at the Knitting & Stitching Show, London 2023.
For a more inspiration, please browse the ‘Meet the Artist’ collection on my YouTube Channel.