My work explores the evolution of crochet lace in Ireland through the language of sculpture and installation. The work engages with the production and adoption of contemporary lace in comparison to the historical methodologies. The work also seeks to identify generational ties and restore a specific nostalgia of childhood in Ireland. It aims to recover personal memories of grandmothers spending hours sitting fondly crocheting and knitting.This work is a response to my personal experience of growing up in the countryside of Ireland. From a young age I was encouraged and taught many crafts by mother and grandmother. My grandmother’s house has always fascinated me with, filled with ornaments and fuelled by memories, the house was always a welcoming space. Framed memories encouraged the use of the frame in my work, while the frame holds a domestic hierarchy it also encourages the collectic style of 1960s Irish country cottages. Traditionally Lace pieces were framed for a few reasons, preservation, sense of accomplishment and decorative purposes. Subsequently, the frame is an important symbol in my work. My hometown Youghal had produced crochet lace, which utilized the same techniques as crochet but with finer thread and hooks. Delicate motifs were stitched together to create larger pieces. Inspired by the personal attachment I have with Youghal lace and the techniques, I aimed to recreate such delicate pieces of history into the subject of women’s undergarments.The work narrates a conversation around the materialisation of lace and the generational ties with respect to the acquisition of crafts in Ireland. The installation “Loose ends” is expressed through contemporary sculptural practices, which integrate crochet lace, sewing and manipulated found objects. The works aim to fuse tradition with sexualisation. By reintroducing the delicacy of lace it creates tensions, which stretch over wooden frames by a single crochet stitch. “Loose ends” is not only thread that is weaved together but a restoration of emotions and memories.
