Irene Koroluk is our first member to be featured. Three pieces of Irene’s work won a People’s Choice Award at the 2021 Out of Hand exhibition. We hope you enjoy learning more about Irene and her work.
When and why did you join Stitching and Beyond?
The person who used to photograph my work told me to go and have a look at the 2017 Stitching and Beyond Exhibition. I was terribly impressed and thought this is where I want to be and what I want to do.
What is your background to becoming a textile and fibre artist?
I was undertaking a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Printmaking when I saw the most beautiful quilt called Blown Away. Unable to purchase it, I thought I would make a similar one myself; not realizing how hard it is to sew. I was also influenced by the amazing textile art at the Istanbul Modern made by both female and male artists including Ruby Sterling and Ghada Amer.
Tell us about your work including your inspiration, techniques, materials and what you are currently working on.
I am inspired by bushland, the natural landscape and remnant tracts of bushland in urban areas. Until I use up all my canvas, I will be free motion stitching on black primed canvas. I will then move onto black fabric and return to bleach spray painting and free motion machine stitching with or without inks. I am about to go back to a piece I have been avoiding and attempt to capture strong winds and tree movement, which is easier said than done!
Where do you create your work?
On a portable shelf with wheels from Howards Storage World in front of the TV.
Has membership of Stitching and Beyond had an influence on your practice? How?
I love seeing everyone’s work. It doesn’t necessarily change or influence my style, but there is just something about being wowed by people’s talent and amazing skills I do not possess. I can’t articulate what it does for me, but it does something really important. It is also very nice to have people like my work.
Anything else you would like to add?
I would like to thank everyone hugely for all their hard work putting on the exhibition!!!
The images below show Irene’s entries in this year’s Out of Hand exhibition.
