The tablecloth serves as the common grounding thread for where people come together, share, and converse over food or drink,resulting in a patchwork of stories. Embroidery is a therapeutic shared activity. This practice is reminiscent of Dorcas Clubs & societies, embedded into Caribbean communities since the 19th century, and intended to bring women together through textiles as a network for social and economic change. In this workshop, participants are encouraged to embrace any mistakes that may occur and steer away from perfection. It is intended as a safe space; away from the added pressures of everyday life, which women and those of the global majority are often subject to.
Each person will be given their own square of material & will be guided through a brief meditation/visualization exercise to connect with a joyful memory or personal motto that they would like to leave behind. A brief demonstration of embroidery techniques will be given, with a chance to brush up/practice stitches. The 1st workshop is creating your own embroidery design. The 2nd workshop is collectively stitching the patchwork together.
Please note, there will be film and photography at this event. If you do not wish to be filmed, just let a member of the NOW Gallery team know.
Jaixia Blue is a storyteller across multiple mediums, ranging from textile art to music and poetry. Born in West London, she completed her BA (Hons) in Textiles and Business Studies at the University of Brighton. Here she formed the basis of her debut collection ‘Jigsaw Heritage’ which explores the artist’s dual British and Caribbean heritage, as well as the unique life experience of her grandmother and her journey from Jamaica to London, UK toward the end of the Windrush period.
The project has since been exhibited as a solo show in galleries and museums across London; Including Pitzhanger Gallery (2022) and Gunnersbury Park Museum (2023-2024). The artist views her design practice as a mode of piecing together her family history, with a particular focus on female ancestry. Her work now sits delicately between textile art, sound, film and fashion. Working with natural and deadstock materials where possible.
