Rust Diaries is a series of works exploring the potential marks and stains made by found rusty metal. These objects form a record of activity, collected on an almost daily basis. Small found objects collected whilst walking are stitched around and over; trapping, covering and embedding them with stitch or layers of cloth. The resulting pieces are then exposed, either to the elements outside over a period of time, or to the chemical action of tea. The resulting stains on the surrounding cloth and stitch develops over time and with no further intervention. This is slow mark-making, which explores the potential of the everyday discarded object.
Some of the Rust Diaries was shown as part of Meticulous Stitchers at Unit Twelve Gallery 4 June – 29 August 2015.