Collection: Kathleen Murphy : Fabric Sculptor: Ross on Wye

Ross-on-Wye based maker, Kathleen Murphy specialises in constructing with needle and thread. Working predominantly with a single needle as her tool, Kathleen uses it to draw, embellish and construct with. By combining handstitch with found objects and repurposed materials, she creates detailed 3D pieces which can be identified by a strong sense of narrative and her use of colourful embroidery. These pieces are inspired by folk culture and a fascination with the wooded landscape.

For the Human Nature exhibition Kathleen presents a small tribe of her 3D Silva Populi characters – shy forest dwellers who disguise their faces with flamboyant masks and headdresses to honour the ancient spirits of the woods. These pieces bring together the characters’ love of nature with a human need to nurture and be nurtured.

Each mixed media piece takes many hours to make and will have a multitude of tiny, embroidered details some of which are hidden under hats or masks, or in bags and pockets which are not always obvious at first glance.