Isabel Deakin: Hanging by a Thread

Hanging by a Thread is an extension of the work Isabel Deakin completed during her residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop (ATW) in 2022.

The colourful weft threads are used to create a decorative edge detail; they then extend beyond the felt form to create a hanging structure. The idiom ‘hanging by a thread’ assumes a thread is a fragile thing. Both the threads and the fabric used in Isabel’s work are typically viewed as soft materials lacking structural integrity. Isabel subverts these material characteristics to create sculptural pieces.

The artwork created during her residency at the ATW is presented alongside new hangings. Isabel’s practice explores craft techniques and materiality. Her work examines the sculptural potential of textiles by re-interpreting the traditional craft of patchwork as a three dimensional technique. Her creation process is slow and methodical; each design is handmade with individually cut and hand-sewn pieces.