21st December- Figured fabric works- Process Documentation

21st December- 

Figured fabric works
Progress

After planning my material works for this exhibition, work has begun. 
I have started embroidering countries upon carefully selected material.  The material is in reference to differing countries that my dad was a military presence within, therefore the british military had direct involvement with. Over the top sits a country, the country that I was living in while he was on 'foreign' soil. This work is very personal to myself as it not only reflects on the transient and rottless nature of my life but also the forces of the military as a entity, the vested interest in foreign presence. The concept of 'war' and loyalty also. 

I have enjoyed working with this method as the process is rewarding. Although time consuming, it also offers much reward when the raised result sits above the fabric. Although I am working with only one block shape, the outline of that shape is complicated and demanded time to complete. After that section was done it has been fairly easy to work with. I also enjoy the fact this type of work is easy to transport and use in many settings, unlike clay. As I have been working into the fabric, each needle prick into that fabric reminded me of the unextractable effect that our military presence has had across the world as well as our government's involvement. This fabric, inspired by Afghan fabric, is the symbol of a culture so heavily affected by british military presence, supposedly fighting the taliban. The disgusting decision to enter the country by Bush meant the Uk as align was forced also to do so. The film 'hypernormalisation' investigates the 'ins' and 'outs' of these concepts and leaves me feeling ashamed that my background ( once pride) was built on corruption, lies and great risk. What offers further contemplation is the fact that my family unit no longer exists, I worry, had that not happened, I would not be as awake as I am today and able to remove myself from that life.  This is why I am therefore paying homage in these fabric works, because that process has given me much of what I understand today and stand against.