Knitting and Stitching Show Harrogate - Part 1 - Jean Draper

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I first found Jean Draper's work years ago, around the same time as I discovered the notion of "Textile Art" and how it might apply to what I was doing.


Tall Forms by Jean Draper

The most exciting thing for me then was how she blended rhythmic stitch, fabric and colour to create a flow of work that engendered such a strength of experience and emotion.

A visit to the Knitting and Stitching Show at Harrogate the following year presented the chance to see her work up close. I was not disappointed and Jean was lovely when I spoke to her, encouraging me to find a theme to focus on, emphasising the importance of the idea rather than the necessity of refined technique. I left feeling positive and reassured.

I met her again this year and saw her latest work, "Landmarks". I found it deeply considered and beautiful and moving. Jean was no less interested in my work and we spoke of the need for an emotional response in the viewer and how that can sometimes reflect the maker's own expression of experience.

Take time to look at Jean Draper's work and then look again... and understand emotional communication.

http://textilestudygroup.co.uk/members/jean-draper/

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