New dimensions in crochet
- Cheryl crochets sculptural works of art using hand dyed yarn
- Her work is informed by a long career in ceramics
- In both art forms, she embraces uncertainty and possibility as the making process unfolds
Cheryl Ann Thomas recently moved from working with clay to creating crochet sculptures. Her colourful and shapely pieces are made up entirely of single stitches in hand dyed yarn, the most foundational of crochet moves, with an organic working process behind them. “I will start to crochet without anything in mind and it will start to become something,” she says. Cheryl finds the practice energising, and has discovered a whole new world of colour and dimension through working with her new material. Despite the differences between ceramics and hand dyed macramé cord, she finds parallels in the process. “It is still small finger work, building up one shape at a time. In that way, it feels like I have been doing it for a long time,” she says.
INTERVIEW
The sculptural practice of ceramics became too difficult for me in a physical sense. I tried several techniques, including wax coiling and embroidery, but landed on crochet. It felt familiar in touch, pace and possibilities in ways that were similar to my ceramic practice.
I have many intuitive responses to making from my years of doing. I like to begin with a structure and stay open to possibilities as I work. Sometimes the piece feels reconciled quickly, but on other occasions, many changes occur along the way.
Coloured oxides are limited in porcelain works. When working with macramé cord, dyes offer unending colours. I relish this opening up of colour choices, which derive from curiosity and harmony and can come as a surprise.
The earlier awareness remains. Over many years, I have an abundance of impulses that are subconscious until they emerge. I view it as a continuum of thought rather than a new beginning.
