STITCH magazine

STITCH is one of my many continuing projects. There are few Textile Artists in Trinidad and Tobago. We all know each other, that's how small it is. I have designed and created a Magazine with the intention of distributing it to High Schools, Uuniversities, NALIS Libraries throughout the Islands - the Region and the Diaspora. The intention for STITCH is to create a space to discuss textiles from many angles - Craft, Exhbitions,Businesses that incorporate Fabric, Textiles and even Ceramics,the Environment, Education etc. In my research for this magazine I found out that in the 1940's indigo was actually grown in Diego Martin in Trinidad and in Tobago at Crown Point, Signal Hill and Bon Accord Estate from the 17th to the 19th century. Some of the plants can still be seen today. I also discovered an unusual Embroiderer, Olga Mavrogordato who created family heirlooms that captured memories of guests who visited the family resort on Huevos Island in the 1800's. There is also a group called Vetiver Education & Empowerment Project (VEEP)who create mats, baskets and a variety of items under the title of House of Vertiver. There is also The Blind Welfare Institute who use cane to make furniture of all sizes and shapes. For Carnival in the last three years, Crotchet Costumes that are expertly handmade have been appearing for Children's Bands and Individual Characters.

Joanne Thompson’s delightful crotchet band

Then there are so many vendors who come and go. So many small business people who get no further than a table in a pop-up shop, never to be seen again. I want to acknowledge all of that. In the layout for the first magazine I wrote an article on the Performance Artist A K U Z U R U who uses found materials from the land to discuss man's inhumanity and the urgant request to save the planet. She had a momentous solo show at the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024 and I chose her for the cover of STITCH. Writing about these topics are practically non existant despite all of the varying occupations going on. I see a void here, and it can be filled, even if STITCH only becomes a yearly magazine.

see articles on A k u z u r u

and also here

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