My use of hand embroidery combines storytelling with the celebration of the stitch that pulls and pierces. Reimagined and time altered, common sewing thread is used to draw a narrative into a physical landscape. Sculptural elements are incorporated forcing the pieces into a more immediate confrontation with the present. Equally negative space, the tug of a thread, layered textures and buckle of a fabric fragment ask questions about the undisclosed. The act itself and the outcome are equally important to me. Through the stitch I’m able to construct scenarios where tension, fantasy and fragments of memory draw the viewer in and allow for multiple interpretations.
Solo Exhibitions
2019 ‘Moving On’ - Conway Hall, London
Group Exhibitions
2024 ‘GOLD’ Blackhorse Lane Studios, London
Hackney Art trail, London
2023 ‘Arte’ Blackhorse Lane Studios, London
2019 ‘Transform and Escape the Dogs’ Jamie Holman
Politics of Fabric, British Textiles Biennial, Blackburn
‘Banner Culture’ British Textiles Biennial, Blackburn
‘Aspects Of The Goddess’ - Counterweave Arts Gallery, Rome
2018 ‘Threads’ - Dundas Street Gallery, Edinburgh
2017 ‘Eudaimonia’ TESTT Space, Durham
Awards
401 Richmond Career Launcher prize
Publications
‘BLAG: Art With A Purpose And A Past: The Durham Bannermakers’ 2024
‘Left Cultures’ 2023
‘Banner Culture’ 2022
‘Emma Shankland: Tales of Fabric and Thread’ 2021
https://www.textileartist.org/emma-shankland-tales-of-fabric-and-thread/
British textiles Biennial ‘Conversations in Creativity’ 2019
Collections
2018 Berwick Arts centre - ‘Processions’ Banner
2011 ongoing - Durham Miners’ Association - Multiple hand painted traditional silk banners
Education
Newcastle University, U.K. Masters of Art Museum and Gallery Education, 2011
Ontario College of Art and Design, Toronto, Canada, Honors Diploma Sculpture/Installation, 1999 - 2002 Graduate of self directed off campus thesis programme, Florence, Italy
Stratford Festival, Ontario, Canada, Costume Apprentice, 1994 - 97
Professional Experience
2019 Textiles Biennial
‘Sew What’ panel discussion chaired by Amanda Buchart ‘Banner Culture’ panel member
2011 ongoing - Artist and community engagement lead with Durham Bannermakers www.durhambannermakers.co.uk
1997 ongoing - school residencies. Delivering creative, inclusive projects for schools with Durham Bannermakers
Emma is a member of The Society for Embroidered Work www.societyforembroideredwork.com
