Fanning the Flames
maker: Susan O’Hara White (Australian, active 2010); Assistant: Bill Walsh (Australian, active 2010);
2010
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Object Detail
Description
Fanning the Flames, Nine segments of the semi-circular writing desk shape give form to the fan, with nine abstracted torches represented in the design placement. It was included in A WONDROUS GIFT | Christmas at The Johnston Collection 2011|12 held from 3 November 2011 - 24 February 2012 in Fairhall exhibition-house.
The ‘flames’ are stitched closely, using toning, vibrant rayon and metallic machine threads. Stitching creates texture and movement, as well as a firm, light structure. Using fabric underlay gives depth to the colour of flames.
Before stitching, flame shaped fabrics remnants were placed on two layers of black polyester net, and covered with layer of water soluble plastic.
Raised areas are supported over stitched ruffles of net. Black bias cotton attaches net backing to the frame with hand stitching.
Overstitching selected flames in heavy metallic thread, (bobbin work) adds highlights, with the brassy gold tones referencing the fire guard and ‘gilt’ paint in the room.
Anecdote:The title of this work relates to these words from Golda Meir (1898 – 1973) Trust Yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.
The ‘flames’ are stitched closely, using toning, vibrant rayon and metallic machine threads. Stitching creates texture and movement, as well as a firm, light structure. Using fabric underlay gives depth to the colour of flames.
Before stitching, flame shaped fabrics remnants were placed on two layers of black polyester net, and covered with layer of water soluble plastic.
Raised areas are supported over stitched ruffles of net. Black bias cotton attaches net backing to the frame with hand stitching.
Overstitching selected flames in heavy metallic thread, (bobbin work) adds highlights, with the brassy gold tones referencing the fire guard and ‘gilt’ paint in the room.
Anecdote:The title of this work relates to these words from Golda Meir (1898 – 1973) Trust Yourself. Create the kind of self you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement.
Maker and role
maker: Susan O’Hara White (Australian, active 2010)
Assistant: Bill Walsh (Australian, active 2010)
Assistant: Bill Walsh (Australian, active 2010)
Production place
Goughs Bay, Mansfield, Victoria, Australia
Production date
2010
Media description
Snippets of silk, rayon, polyester and Lurex fabrics, black polyester net, water soluble plastic, Rayon, cotton, polyester and metallic threads, cotton bias fabric, wire frame
Free machine-embroidery, including bobbin work, on a net base.
Custom designed welded wire frame supports the embroider
Free machine-embroidery, including bobbin work, on a net base.
Custom designed welded wire frame supports the embroider
Measurements
Size: 90cm diameter (45cm radius), with ‘whispy’ extensions - about 5cm.
Credit line
gift of Ms. Susan O’Hara White, Mansfield, 2022
Project credit line
This digital record has been made available on TJC Collection Online through a significant donation from the OPENING DOORS fund, the generous support of The Friends of The Johnston Collection, and Digitisation Champion Christine Bell.
Accession number
6077
TJC reference number
6955