Veronica Derry - Artist Statement

The texture of a piece of cloth..... the delicacy of a snippet of lace....... the simple complexity of a hook and eye.............. a stray emotion held fast by an errant train of thought........I never know just where inspiration is going to come from. When it does it rarely takes a predictable path, but instead leads me on a journey that winds within and emerges through my hands utilizing fabrics woven by me or chosen from my ever growing collections of textiles.......embellished with small treasures gathered for their visual appeal, stitched into being, surprising and delighting me along the way.

Some pieces begin with a definite idea, some are very vague. Each and every one is a journey.

Looking back upon the body of work created over the past number of years, groupings can be identified.

A quilt theme recurs inspired by childhood memories of grandmothers adept at many of the needlearts. I live still with quilts made by my maternal grandmother, a brief glance immerses me in memories, scents, moments.

Dolls were constant companions in imaginary worlds of childhood, they have not lost their appeal for me and angels dressed in my own version of 'haute couture' flit and fly from my studio on a regular basis. Sculptural explorations take on doll like/human forms. Whimsey and play are important aspects still in my daily life.

Then there are the pieces that are still impossible for me to catagorize. They are mainly figurative. Sometimes the figure is woven, other times appliqued using suiting wool. These pieces almost always begin with a strong emotion, held captive by a brief sketch, then allowed the freedom of growth through my expressive medium of fiber. When complete, these pieces continue to help me discover aspects of myself that at times, surprise me. Perhaps they are expressing the spirit that is hidden and elusive. These are the most difficult creations to place in the public eye, doing so always leaves me feeling somewhat exposed............and yet these are the pieces that usually receive the most heartfelt responses.

Ultimately what I hope for through being creative is to share an experience, for others to identify emotionally with something I have made. Whether that emotion is delight, disturbance , hope, sadness , joy.........to recognize some aspect of ones self, to have that mirrored back from a piece of art made by another's hands. That is satisfying, encouraging and inspiring.