AIA Carnival

STREET HEART COLLABORATION,

CROSS MY HEART... 

In this captivating artwork, Becky integrates a painted cross-stitch pattern onto a heart, creating a visually and emotionally embracing composition. Inspired by the intricate patterns found in knitted fair-isle designs, the piece evokes a sense of comfort, nostalgia, and the enduring power of handmade creations. Carefully selected colors, patterns, and textures transport viewers to a place of warmth and emotional respite, offering them a sanctuary for introspection. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of love, safety, and treasured moments spent with family. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant colors of a carnival, the chosen color palette adds a touch of joyful exuberance to the composition.

Artist Biography:
Becky Gilmour is a Hong Kong-based fiber artist and the founder of Make and Do HK. With 13 years of experience in the fashion industry, Becky brings a wealth of expertise and a deep passion for craftsmanship to her work. Her deliberate and unhurried approach establishes a profound connection between herself and her art, allowing her to infuse diverse materials with renewed vitality. Through her artistry, Becky seeks to inspire creative minds, foster a sense of community, and pay homage to the artistry of handmade crafts.

Team Hearts - a colourful whirlwind project in December.

My textile-inspired painted heart for the AIA Carnival was my final project of 2023. I think it was my favorite project of the year too. I had so much fun creating this one! At times, it was ridiculously challenging (honestly, what on earth was I thinking, covering a huge heart sculpture with equally spaced 5x5cm dots).

Working against the clock to get finished in time for the grand opening of the AIA Carnival! Learning to go with the flow and working against the elements. One week was boiling hot, the next week it rained or was freezing! Powered on by coffee, egg tarts, and cookies. But we did it, and it was SO MUCH FUN!

I forgot how much I love to work outside, being able to interact with people who pass by, friends that came to visit, and, of course, working alongside 5 other wonderful Hong Kong-based artists: Eleanor McColl, Francesco Lietti, Tony Chen, Andreas (theinktrail), and Viki Chan.

Thank you, Eleanor McColl, for organizing the project, and to AIA Carnival for inviting us. Huge thanks to EICO for the paints - it was my first time using them, and they were excellent! I absolutely loved every minute of this project, and I would love to do more artworks like this in 2024. So if you would like to commission a huge textile artwork (painted or real), let's talk!