Sara Keith

About the work

Inspiration for this collection is drawn from research trips to Japan, in 2003 and 2004, where I was able to study traditional and contemporary Shibori ('shaped resist').

My distressed metallic textiles are made using a combination of these resist techniques and electrolysis. 

By folding, clamping, stitching and binding in various ways, the metals will only adhere to exposed areas of cloth.  This process gives the fabric its abstract pattern.  Some fabrics are additionally manipulated and embellished with stitch creating a textured surface.

Products include body adornment in the form of corsages, neckpieces and scarves.  Some items are heavily encrusted with silver, which lends a sculptural quality to the silk and some have a very fine layer which maintains the silk’s natural handle.

Each piece is made individually and as a result is unique.  Work for interiors includes one off hangings.

Most recent work

A hanging entitled 'Silver Wishes' 120cm x 240cm was the textile Focus for Contemporary Applied Arts, London in May and June 2005.  This piece was inspired by a patchwork of hopeful messages and prayers attached outside shrines in Japan.

A small collection of corsages and jewellery is currently on display in 'Flower Power' at the Scottish Gallery, Edinburgh.

In 2007-2008 Sara will be participating in 'Cutting Edge' with Roger Morris in some collaborative work, producing a series of neckpieces using silver and textiles.