Raffia Embroidery
Raffia Embroidery
Vibrant Designs Inspired By The Caribbean
Tihara Smith
Search Press
Well that is an interesting title….
That was my narration inside my head on opening my usual parcel of review copies from Search Press. This book has been inspired by the authors heritage, her familial line and history. I am so used to reading books by English and American authors, which often are traditional or yes, cultural to their own places. But this really took my interest. But could it sustain a whole book of interest for us?
A little on Tihara Smith
Subliminally or deliberately, we all bring our story to the table. If we make art, then it runs through, we cannot help it. Sometimes it is obviously like in the case of this artist. She is inspired by her heritage and this is obvious in the material choice and messages on the projects. She is young, having emerged from her studies with fashion as her aim. Her website showcases galleries of products for sale, such as colourful greetings cards.
What’s it about?
After visiting a fabric show and finding the material that is Raffia in its natural state, she was taken back to her culture and straw work that the Caribbean is known for. This inspired her use of this material to embroider on and make outcomes with.
On page six she finishes with wording surrounding ‘telling your own stories.’ I believe that is key to developing authentic artwork, she obviously holds the same values.
I enjoyed the introduction pages, which deep dive into the history and culture, the Windrush Generation and Straw Crafts.
Will I learn a new technique?
Well, it is certainly a new fabric for me to think about using. The tools needed apart from the Raffia are quite “normal”, although a screwdriver is mentioned on page eighteen….!
Raffia is a different background to work with and some instruction is required. Smith delves into this in practice from page twenty, explaining how to prepare the fabric and even use a heat press (wish I had one). Raffia is stiff, so again direction is shown on how to get it into the hoop you use.
Raffia ribbon and stitching with it was new to me…I am afraid I have only experienced using this type of ribbon when gift wrapping! Maybe you have too.
My favourite project
The whole book gave me the Bob Marley vibes, it’s laid back, colour ridden and has the consistency of the Raffia fabric. Personally I liked the banana decoration (page sixty) and the framed art (on page ninety-six) - I too would like to not ‘worry about a thing’ in bold neon vibrance !
How to buy your copy
I am used to reading books often by let’s call it ‘experienced’ (mature) artists, who are all wonderful at what they do, but I love seeing young hope. A mix of any sort are vital in the publishing industry.
