Veronica Pock | Handwoven textiles

We are moving towards late spring now: the weather remains cold but all around a green veil is spreading through the trees and along bare branches outside my window. I’m glad to be able to share this time of regrowth and vitality with you as I write this update from my studio. Welcome!

On the loom

I’ve started a new line of work based on sketches and drawings derived from photographs of Orford Ness, a transient, ephemeral marsh-and-shingle spit off the Suffolk coast, which were taken when I visited in 2021.

“Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, rare and fragile wildlife thrives where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested and perfected.”
http://www.thesuffolkcoast.co.uk

Visiting Orford Ness is a deeply affecting experience, inaccessible, wild, desolate and elemental, and is brought into focus through the book ‘Ness’, written by Robert Macfarlane and illustrated by Stanley Donwood. Part poetry, part song, part novella, ‘Ness’ explores an apocalyptic world where the land comes to life. Five forms made of tidal drift, fauna, flora, stone and deep time move together and converge to become Ness. This book, together with the imagery I collected, are shaping the outcome of this next series of work.

My process begins with photographs and sketches: paper, linen, hemp and cotton yarns are selected in keeping with the colours and textures, and these are used intuitively when making up the warp. Once the warp is on the loom, I can begin to weave. The first sample employs a deflected double weave, with various yarns used a weft. I’m still getting to know this warp at the moment, feeling my way and deciding what I want to achieve, what I’m trying to say with this work. I’m intrigued to see where it will take me.

Rare earths series

I began the year by preparing and framing a series of works entitled ‘Rare earths’, inspired by the semiprecious stones and elements which form part of this rare earth we are part of. The handwoven textile art is created from a mixed warp of linen, cotton and paper combined with a weft of linen and cotton, and the mounted piece is embellished with embroidered motifs in cotton. These are available now online at LiminalWEAVE.

A swift late spring SALE: 40% off cushions

As we move towards summer, for a short time only, I’m having a 40% off SALE on selected cushions. You can find them now in my online store, LiminalWEAVE, on Etsy. Each cushion is unique, woven by hand and uses a mixture of different wool yarns, including handspun one-of-a-kind yarns, in earthy natural tones. A perfect addition to a natural-style interior. More colours and designs can be found online.

Thank you… 

…so much for joining me on my creative journey. I’m looking forward to what April has in store, especially with the new series of work inspired by Orford Ness, and further developments using embroidery techniques on my weavings. If you would like to see more, I post frequently on Instagram @veronicapock and my work is available online at LiminalWEAVE on Etsy. I hope to see you again in early summer with more news and developments in my creative practice.