Special thanks to Debbie Lyddon for producing this short film.
30,000 Used Labels
Tons of garments have been the inspiration for my art practice, initially producing over 30 site-specific installation sculptures with clothes identified as rags. My work with clothing labels has evolved from this process and developed in ways that I could not have predicted. A turning point was when I wrote to fashion designer Paul Smith to ask him for some of his designer labels to use in my practice. He said NO, but he was so impressed with my technique that he commissioned ‘Red Rabbit’ assembled with his Paul Smith jeans label. Paul has the original in his private collection but a Limited Edition Giclee print is available with some proceeds going to Maggie’s Cancer Charity.
I use 1000s of dressmaker pins to attach woven and printed labels to canvas, a technique that has evolved through experimentation. The labels and pins work together forming rhythm, pattern and texture. Over the last 20 years I have pinned out over 30,000 woven and printed clothing labels, some of my larger pieces can be viewed during open studios.
Savile Row has provided a unique window from which to showcase my work using thousands of bespoke labels. Collaborations include a portrait of Sir Winston Churchill selected from the archive of tailors Henry Poole, also an installation in the window of Huntsman for Wool Week.
I enjoy the anticipation of applying for Open Exhibitions and my work has been hung twice in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition, two portraits selected by Grayson Perry.
As the rag trade continues to evolve the future of my work with used clothing labels is uncertain. The last 20 years has seen many changes, and instead of being ragged many garments now end up for sale in pound shops, an initiative that is much better for the environment.
Thank you for visiting, next exhibition location is North Norfolk Studios 12 High Street Wells-next-the-Sea Norfolk NR23 1EP 27th May - 4th June 2023 10am - 5pm.
#letscreate
NORFOLK Window Exhibition celebrating The King’s Coronation. Crabpot Books, High Street, Cley-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR25 7RN. Runs from Wednesday 26th April until Tuesday 9th May 2023.
‘471 Gems’, includes the names of 471 Covid-19 essential workers and volunteers, monogrammed by Joy onto scrap clothing labels.
59 PAIRS OF JEANS
Getting ready for North Norfolk Studios:-
Saturday 27th, 28th & 29th May, also Friday 2nd, 3rd and 4th June.
12 High Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1EP.
59 pairs of jeans, original SOLD.
HOSPITAL CONNECTIONS
Joy is featured in the Jan/Feb 2023 Edition of the embroidery magazine.
Dates for your diary
In May 2023 I will be taking part in North Norfolk Studios.
Saturday 27th, 28th & 29th May, also Friday 2nd, 3rd and 4th June.
Address: Studio, 12 High Street, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk, NR23 1EP.
There will also be an Art Trail with lots of other artists taking part.
Queen Camilla & Queen Elizabeth
Queen Camilla viewing my portrait of Queen Elizabeth, the Long Gallery, Bishops Palace, Wells, Somerset.
Royal Derby Hospital & Covid-19 Essential workers.
Thank you Air Arts for selecting my work ‘471 Gems’ for inclusion in your next exhibition at The Royal Derby Hospital titled ‘Connection’, running from 10th November 2022 to April 2023, exact location of work to follow including an online map and virtual 3D map. Covid-19 restrictions apply.
During Covid-19 Lockdown Joy monogrammed the names of 471 essential Erewash workers onto discontinued clothing labels. ‘471 Gems’ also includes used clothing labels, a ladies diamante belt buckle and even a gold button found down the back of a settee in Ireland. On closer inspection you will find nine toy soldiers and four Scouting Badges arranged as precious metals and decorative gems. Toy soldiers remind us of heroes fighting on the front line, the Promise and Friendship Badges speak for themselves and represent the kindness, help and support given by many during these difficult times.
