Sophie cox

The theme of this series is food. Each work is seemingly joyous and celebratory. However, behind each of the pieces are stories of challenge and hardship. This juxtaposition relates to the dual aspect of food and eating: something that I find brings much happiness but also has difficult associations for me as a recovering anorexic. Food for all of us has memories and associations. It is one of the prime ways we connect and share our lives. Through these works I aim to reflect on the beauty and the pain that food can bring for us all.

The art that I make can be classified as craft-based, utilising techniques more often found in craft, such as embroidery and applique. I use these techniques for two main reasons. The first is a purely personal one- as the process of hand-sewing is one that I find meditative and beneficial for my mental health. The other reason is that these techniques allow for work that is accessible and tactile. Hand-crafted textiles are objects that have inviting textures and familiar symbolism of home and comfort. My use of text is also to bring people in, to create work that connects to my love of writing and also to the history of textiles in banners and protest art. There is also the fact that to sew or hand-write large chunks of text is a slow process, which allows the ideas behind the words to sink in for me as I sew. It is also an anti-capitalist process, which goes against the rapid, efficiency of our age post-industrial revolution. 

 These works were exhibited as the Featured Artist for Annandale Creative Art Centre’s November 2023 Make Art Night