KEY to my Mapwork

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Geological Maps I am drawn to the immense colours of geological maps. Through my research at the Lapworth Museum of Geology I have come to learn of the geometry formulations and geological maps around plate tectonics (movement of a place)

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Silk threads – Silk Road, history, connections, stop points of rest and development for trade and commerce about trade routes.

 

Blanket stitch – When I am slicing open a geological map I sometimes think about the visual imagery, it feels quite cathartic to sew it back up again using a strong binding stitch like blanket stitch, almost like an incision that is healed through being sewn up. A blanket is a symbol of warmth, comfort and protection and my symbolic use of a blanket stitch is reflective of this

 

Tents – a symbol of refuge for the destitute and stateless

 

Islamic geometry – tile work in the Alhambra in Granada Spain– my place in Europe. The eight fold geometric pattern I take from the Alhambra Palace makes me feel as a Muslim I have always been a part of Europe.

 

Sumi ink – Japanese Ink. My link to Burnley Lancashire. My art college teacher suggesting I study the influence of Japanese woodcut prints on 19th Century Impressionist Painters. I never understood the pull of Japanese inks, brushes, embroidery until I was studying gestural mark making and book binding in Arezzo Italy

 

Meditation Whilst working in my studio on a reflective piece, I bring to mind the suffering of specific community/nation, and try to reflect on what might they be going through

 

Fabriano Paper Whilst studying in Italy I was based in Arezzo , a place close to where Fabriano paper is made. I often work with Fabriano paper as it holds the ink well, often as though it is still wet, with a glossy shine to the surface of the paper.

 

Calligraphy I repeat the Arabic words for peace, patience, hope, resilience, justice, fortitude and strength. Recently I was in conversation with a charity sector based in Gaza and these were also words that resonated with some local artists in Palestine. 

 

Tallymarks I use tallymarks to document my reflections, meditations and contemplations. They have a dual reference for me, as they also signify pain and suffering in different parts of the globe