By Pam Wright
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Chatham artist Jodi Edwards Wright uses an uncommon process to create unique, whimsical art.
Now at age 65, the retired educator has launched her first show at ARTspace. Dubbed “Storybook Realism” the event showcases the three-dimensional embroidered animal masks Wright creates using thread and a water-soluble type of fabric.
It’s an unusual method. Wright embroiders layers on a hoop of fabric with a sewing machine.
When the machine can no longer penetrate the fabric, she switches to hand embroidery, adding in varying degrees of thickness.
At some point during the process, she runs the piece under water, dissolving the fabric to leave behind the threaded creation.
Items such as feathers and fur are added to finish the piece.
“I call it Storybook Realism because it is very much inspired by the artwork of a number of children’s illustrators,” the former public-school teacher told The Voice, noting she’s always been a lover of children’s literature.
Wright points out her art is “anthropomorphic,” bringing human characteristics, such as smiles and human eyes, into the animals she creates.
“Each one has a name and a unique personality,” the artist said, noting she remains inspired by the children she encountered throughout her career.
Wright, who had never formally studied art, said her first foray as an artist began 12 years ago when she decided to make a simple rag quilt for her young grandson.
She learned more about quilting and then started making lace keepsakes out of wedding dresses.
Eventually, at the start of the pandemic, she delved into fibre art, also known as sculptural embroidery, studying with Australian textile artist Meredith Woolnough online.
Wright has continued to refine her technique, noting she may be the only person in the world that uses her particular method.
But she said she’s mostly self-taught.
“I started doing art quilts and I just fell in love with art quilts,” Wright explained, noting she was using her embroidered pieces to attach to the quilts.
Eventually, she said she was “talked into” creating standalone sculptural embroidery art. People responded to her first work – a fox – which spurred her on to do more.
At university, Wright studied English and history. She also writes poetry which she incorporates into the show.
Storybook Realism runs at ARTspace, 165 King St. in Chatham to Nov. 15. A public reception to formally introduce Wright’s work will be held at the venue on Sept. 19 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
It is a family-friendly immersive show with part of the exhibit lowered so children can see it.
