Explore rings and circles in greater depth and their symbolic meanings. Because they have no beginning or end, they often symbolise unity, wholeness, and eternity. They represent natural cycles, like seasons or life, which are symbols of continuity and renewal. In relationships, rings symbolise love and commitment, while circles can also mean protection and balance. Overall, they convey ideas of connection and completeness.
I then began to think about rings and felt particularly drawn to dreamcatchers, which we have in our home above our children's beds. The dreamcatcher holds a woven web inside, which resonates with me as a symbol of protection and connection, being inspired by the idea of capturing and filtering dreams, much like how I want my textile work to have and reflect the deeper meanings of family, nature, and personal journeys. This connection sparked new ideas for incorporating similar forms into my creative process.
Inspired by the symbolism of roots and family, I developed my sample to reflect stability, connection, and growth. Just as roots anchor a tree, I want to be that foundation for my family, passing down values to my children and representing our lineage. Using wire wrapped in yarn, similar to Judith Scott's work, representing protection of those roots, emphasising their importance and the connections they represent.
Moving from the roots, I explored tree rings as symbols of time and growth. Each ring marks the tree's life, similar to how a family grows and evolves. I created a woven ring to reflect this, using texture in the materials to symbolise the different stages of my life. The circle represents unity and continuity, while the varied textures highlight the strength and connection that develop over time.
Using the concept of a dreamcatcher to represent the branches of a tree, I wanted to symbolise growth, support, and connection. Like families, Branches extend outwards, offering protection and nurturing new life. Little shoots sprout from the branches, with four representing each of my children, carefully wrapped in yarn for protection. The woven threads mirror the intricate family bonds, while the circular frame, like the tree's trunk, holds everything together. This blend of dreamcatcher and tree branches reflects the family's protective and nurturing nature.
The largest piece is based on a wheel, representing life's ongoing journey and constant growth. In this piece, the wheel is a metaphor for the ever-turning nature of life's experiences, reflecting personal and family journeys. At the centre of the wheel are wrapped shoots of life, represented as leaves, symbolising new beginnings and the nurturing of growth within the cycle.
Size and colour were critical elements in this installation, with each piece growing in size to reflect the theme of growth portrayed in my work. The colour palette was carefully chosen based on research into colour psychology. Pink represents femininity, symbolising my four daughters; orange conveys pleasure and emotion; yellow signifies positivity and happiness; blue stands for trust and security; and purple reflects art and spirituality. These colours enhance the visual impact and connect to the deeper meanings embedded in the piece.
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