MAKER IN FOCUS: JULIA GRIFFITHS JONES
KITCHEN - LLANERCHAERON
21 january - 19 march 2023
'My work is concerned with the translation of Textile techniques such as stitching, quilting, patchwork, embroidery, into a wire and metal form; thus changing its original nature and function but retaining the meaning and the decoration. I am very inspired and influenced by Textile work created by women alongside their domestic duties as much as for need as for warmth. This interest began when I was a student at the Royal College of Art.'
'I won a scholarship to research and study Textiles in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Here I saw Folk Art for the first time; it was everywhere woven through all aspects of life. Gradually I began to transfer my drawings into three dimensions using wire and became totally enthralled by the possibilities of drawing in space using line and colour. My training and qualifications are in Textile Design so this change in materials was a huge departure for me but a very crucial one as through it I began to create, I believe, a unique language and a deeply satisfying one.'
Kitchen - Llanerchaeron, is a stunning installation piece in wire, metal and enamel that developed from a series of drawings Julia made in the kitchen, laundry and tack room at Llanerchaeron, a National Trust property in Ciliau Aeron. 'Whilst drawing the jugs and clogs I was also researching the history of Aberaeron and discovered that in 1830 crafts were an important part of village life. At that time there was a woollen manufacturer, baker, bootmaker, corn miller, blacksmith and shovel maker, shipwright, carpenter and hat maker.'
Julia has created many commissions for public spaces including the National Museum of Wales, National Wool Museum, NHS for the Royal Aberdeen Childrens Hospital. She has also received prestigious awards including the Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award.
'I won a scholarship to research and study Textiles in Poland and Czechoslovakia. Here I saw Folk Art for the first time; it was everywhere woven through all aspects of life. Gradually I began to transfer my drawings into three dimensions using wire and became totally enthralled by the possibilities of drawing in space using line and colour. My training and qualifications are in Textile Design so this change in materials was a huge departure for me but a very crucial one as through it I began to create, I believe, a unique language and a deeply satisfying one.'
Kitchen - Llanerchaeron, is a stunning installation piece in wire, metal and enamel that developed from a series of drawings Julia made in the kitchen, laundry and tack room at Llanerchaeron, a National Trust property in Ciliau Aeron. 'Whilst drawing the jugs and clogs I was also researching the history of Aberaeron and discovered that in 1830 crafts were an important part of village life. At that time there was a woollen manufacturer, baker, bootmaker, corn miller, blacksmith and shovel maker, shipwright, carpenter and hat maker.'
Julia has created many commissions for public spaces including the National Museum of Wales, National Wool Museum, NHS for the Royal Aberdeen Childrens Hospital. She has also received prestigious awards including the Arts Council of Wales Creative Wales Award.