Stitched masterpieces celebrate connection to place

Experimentation with colour is a feature of a new exhibition of textile art by Cathy Jack Coupland, on show at Newcastle’s Timeless Textiles Gallery in September.

 In the Place – Stitched Masterpieces exhibition Coupland tries to capture her emotional response to the world around her. The resulting works are a vibrant and complex tribute to Sydney suburb of Breakfast Point.

“Breakfast Point is only a 40-minute ferry ride from the Sydney CBD, yet it abounds with the beauty of the natural world,” Coupland said. “It is a busy commercial and recreational waterway on the Parramatta River. Yet it also has a sense of history and timelessness.”

Coupland uses her imagination and creativity to produce unique textile artworks that are deeply personal and yet accessible to an audience. Her love of colour and highly-evolved technique result in extraordinary textile art. She uses strong, bold colour palettes.

“Colour is always foremost in my work,” she explains. “I like the crisp, clean lines of contrasting, and sometimes unusual, colour choices. I have an irresistible desire to continue learning.”

Starting with colour choice, Coupland then turns to the design process. Creating and working her designs to a finally resolved piece takes time. She creates and stitches every day.

“That process is everything,” she says. “It is restorative as well as creative. I learned that algorithm long ago and have maintained it ever since. Structure and routine is the basis of my work.”

Machine work is Coupland’s preferred technique. The rhythm created by the stitches, and the tactile nature of the finished work, produces art singing with colour and optimism.

Place – Stitched Masterpieces exhibition runs from 5 to 30 September. The opening is from 6 to 8pm on Thursday 6 September.