Rhed Fawell: Collage and Embroidery

My collages explore the deconstruction and reconstruction of images. The process allows me to play conceptually with a theme or thought. By deconstructing the original reality of an image, I can begin to let it tell a different story. Once I find my visual starting point, I will start a process of deconstruction/reconstruction, combining the use of ripping, cutting, layering, juxtaposition and, at times, the laborious task of stitching.

The use of stitching and thread has, over the past few years, started to play a more dominant role in my collage process and final outcomes. When in the past I may have used blocks of coloured paper, these have been replaced with thread and stitched elements. For me, it creates a quality of depth which is symbolically charged not only in the end result but in the act of making.

My work draws deeply on my own experiences and society in general, both past and present. It seeks to explore the sense of unknowing in a constantly shifting world. Multi-layered images arise which dwell on fragility, nature and the machine, and the instabilities exposed when old certainties are questioned. I am interested in exploring the hidden and murky sides of life, yet attempting to maintain a poetic quality. Every element that is placed has a symbolic purpose in relation to the whole. At times my work may appear dark, but I always strive to include a sense of hope.

Cutting Small Threads - Rhed Fawell collage — Cutting Small Threads

Here's Why - Rhed Fawell collage — Here’s Why

Number 1 - Rhed Fawell collage — Number 1

Porcelain Blue - Rhed Fawell collage — Porcelain Blue

The Alteration - Rhed Fawell collage — The Alteration

Strategically Placed - Rhed Fawell collage — Strategically Plced

Technicolour Dreams - Rhed Fawell — Technicolour Dreams

There is no doubt a moral of the times -- if only we could find it - Rhed Fawell collage — There is no doubt a moral of the times — if only we could find it

Unplugged - collage by Rhed Fawell — Unplugged

Wink Wink - collage by Rhed Fawell — Wink Wink

About Rhed Fawell

Rhed Fawell is a collagist from London, who now lives in Edinburgh. Rhed’s collage work was recently featured on the front cover of Kolaj Magazine #23 August 2018. Kolaj Magazine is a quarterly, printed magazine about contemporary collage. Rhed's work has also been published in Rapsodia-Arts and Literature Magazine, and has her collage work published in Making the Cut: Volume 1 (Crooks Creative, 2016). Making the Cut is an inspirational survey of today’s leading practicing collage and mixed media artists.

Rhed divides her time working in my studio developing my own creative practice alongside the ongoing development and growth of Edinburgh Collage Collective.

You can find Rhed at www.rhedfawell.com, www.rhed.co.uk, Instagram, and Facebook.