Catherina Petit-van Hoey

The Alchimal Curiosity Cabinet

I practise textile arts and crafts for almost 30 years. Having followed various creative arts courses I spend most of my time working as a freelance textile artist.

Being a member of various art and textile related groups, like the Herts Visual Arts Textile Group and the Embroiderers’ Guild, I regular exhibit my work and occasionally teach or lecture.

I like to use a wide variety of stitch and fabric manipulation techniques, preferring to use techniques which best suit a particular piece rather than specialising too much in the use of a certain method. I like to play with pure, bright colours as they not only express my joy for life, but every colour is a real source of energy. Sometimes though I work in simple white and gold to give expression to a stiller, more inward energy.

Most of my work is inspired by poetry, philosophy and insights through more than 30 years of meditation practise, for which I often incorporate text in one form or another and furthermore, through frequent use of symbolic imagery.

My work ranges from wall-hangings, collages, to applied art forms such as bags, cushions, book covers, etc.  I have work in private collections in the UK, France and the Netherlands.

For me the ‘Threads of Time’ project was a great opportunity to get my teeth in – or better hands on – a new creative challenge. The timing was absolutely right for me as I needed to do something after the sudden loss of my youngest daughter in May 2012.

Seeing the old documents and doing lots of background research got me back in my creative space. Linking the past of the Wittewronge family with my present and finding connections, like the interests in alchemy and astrology really got me inspired.

I have used this project to push my own boundaries and moved more into a mixed media approach. Because of my unfamiliarity with the several different techniques and materials I used, I ended up doing lots of experimental work – a bit like an alchemist I suppose.

I also enjoyed the monthly meetings during this project in which we had the opportunity to share our work with other artists and learn more about the conservation and storage of the archives.

About my Piece 

Discovering a series of documents on Alchemy, Astrology and Medicine from the 1640’s in the Wittewronge collection got me really excited because of a life-long interest in these subjects.

Being the forerunner of Chemistry and Medicine as we know it, the Art of Alchemy was about seeking perfection. On a material level this was through creating the Philospher’s Stone and the transmutation of base metals into gold, whilst on a spiritual level the alchemist sought the secret of the Elixir of Life and Enlightenment.

Bringing the past into the present this book-box-cabinet seeks to express layers and levels of alchemical trails of a personal exploration.

For further information about me and my work please visit:

 

The last link is a podcast of me being interviewed by Feng Shui expert Cathi Hargaden about the art of alchemy.

I undertake commissions for public and private collections and give tailor-made workshops on request.  I can be contacted by Email: catherinapetit.vanhoey@gmail.com

This page was added on 03/06/2014.

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