Discover works created in response to the Foundling Museum’s collection of fabric tokens.
Love~in~Knots is a display of works created in partnership with Mind Camden, with artist Katriona Beales, in response to the Foundling Museum’s collection of fabric tokens. In the 18th century, love knots were exchanged to signify a bond and convey emotion which couldn’t be expressed through writing. This powerful symbol became the starting point for the work.
Beginning with Celtic love knots, works went through an extensive process of layering: scanning, overpainting with inks, rearrangement, printing onto fabric and embroidery. Each stage created new meanings, and conversations emerged between the makers and their artworks. The process freed the group to experiment; they let go of the final destination and allowed the work to speak for itself.
Over the eight weeks together, the group discovered the power of happy accidents. Often the mistake became the start of a creative process rather than an ending. By embellishing an area that was disliked, it could be transformed into something beautiful and deeply meaningful. This became a strong metaphor to apply in other areas of life; problems can provide space for growth.
