AN ARTIST with a new take on embroidery is exhibiting her work in Malton this month.

Contemporary artist Jessica Grady’s designs are a textural and visual feast, mixing bold colour and clusters of embellished treasure, created from a combination of waste and recycled materials.

Working from her home studio just outside Leeds, she has exhibited her work in galleries across the UK and Europe, and was selected as part of the RAW Talent 2017 Award Programme for emerging artists. More recently she has also been awarded the 2018 Embroiderers Guild Scholarship Award.

She said: “ My original textiles are a bold and tactile exploration of colour and pattern through hand stitching and embellishment. I use a combination of processes within all of my embroideries including traditional hand embroidery techniques, hand dyeing, printing and embellished surfaces – that utilise unconventional materials.

“I’m passionate about utilising mixed media and recycled materials such as painted metal washers, hand dyed plastic cotton buds, dyed sponges and stripped electric cables within my hand embroidery work.

“These materials are transformed and manipulated to create intricate embellishments. This juxtaposition of unusual media with traditional techniques invites the viewer to look closer – creating curiosity.

Jessica added: “”I started creating my own sequins and beads during my textiles degree. I found that by manipulating old packaging and utilising different materials such as metals and foams - I could create embellishments that were highly tactile and creative. This streak of experimentation has continued to influence and enhance my work ever since - and I don’t think I will ever run out of new ideas for unusual materials that I can stitch onto my fabrics.”

“All of my textiles showcase meticulous hand stitching and intricate detailing. My artworks are a textural and visual feast, saturating the senses with colour and pattern.

Jessica is this month’s featured artist in the Rickshaw Gallery, The Shambles, Malton and her latest collection will be on show until June 30.

The Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 5pm.