Patricia Kelly

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Cloth and Clay 2024

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Patricia was born and still resides in

Co. Fermanagh. She obtained a B.A. Honours degree in Fine Craft Design Embroidery in the Ulster University in 1986. 

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Using free motion embroidery techniques, which in recent times have become more abstract, there is a strong focus on the use of line. Inspiration comes from many sources including the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi, which is to see beauty in the imperfect; as well as from the landscape and skies in the west of Ireland, where lines created by tangled hedgerows are silhouetted against coloured skies.  

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The sense of belonging to a place, where family history is interwoven through present lives influences Patricia. The incorporating of recycled textile, as often practised by ancestors, conveys the multi layered nature of lives linked. Patricia is influenced by her home and environment which has sheltered many generations of family.

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Notes on 'Red'

"Red was a very important colour in Irish history. Women wore red shawls because it made them look striking when they had very little else.

Red cloth was wrapped around babies, to keep away the 'evil eye’.

Women also wrapped a red cloth around their chests to combat Lumbago and Rheumatoid arthritis.

The plant Madder, from which the dye was produced was believed to have medicinal qualities. It was also colourfast and popular for this reason.

Many Irish patchwork quilts were composed with patterns of small red squares.

Red also indicated the fire, the heart of the home, so very important then for heat and for cooking."

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Patricia has exhibited extensively both nationally and internationally and has achieved numerous awards.