Inspired by Robert Burns

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There is currently an exhibition at The Artroom in Dumfries of textile work in response to the life and work of poet Robert Burns. Eight Spring Fling artists, including me, are showing work at this new exhibiting venue until February 23rd. Our pieces are so varied in both technique and style yet I think complement each other so interestingly.


Gloamin Grey by Maggie Ayres

Mine is called "Gloamin Grey", taken from the poem The Lea-Rig. (Gloaming is the Scots word for twilight). It is suspended in the space and casts shadows against the wall behind. I wanted to make the hanging light and airy to evoke the magical in between time of day and night.


Detail of Gloamin Grey

I worked the piece using a mix of dyed silk fibres (tops, throwsters waste and laps) and merino wool tops with Solufleece dissolvable stabiliser and free machine stitching. I also incorporated some split silk carrier rods and rows of hand stitching.

The Lea-rig is one of my favourite Burns' songs. The line I focused on is:
Gie me the hour o' gloamin' grey,
It maks my heart sae cheerie O.

For the whole song go to www.robertburns.org/works/380.shtml

One of my favourite renditions is by singer Roddy Woomble. His voice is raw with emotion... it makes me cry every time...
Tell me what you think


Comments

Julie Shackson said…
Beautiful work; and soooo delicate!
11 February 2013 at 18:22
ana said…
The creative inspiration for this work was so poetic - I loved the song. "Gloaming Grey"is, absolutely beautiful... Thanks for sharing!
11 February 2013 at 19:13
Maggie Ayres said…
Thank you Julie and Ana for your positive feedback!
11 February 2013 at 19:34
Threadpainter said…
Hello Maggie,
I found you thru Maggi (your book winner) and am very excited to watch your blog ... love art blogs !
You sound like someone I'd love to get to know !
I loved the song and I particularly love your piece inspired by this Robbie Burns poem !!
15 March 2013 at 16:44
Maggie Ayres said…
Welcome to my blog and thank you for your warm comments :)
15 March 2013 at 20:00
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