The art of artist Clara Martin is one of war between medium and meaning. We often associate textiles with warmth and comfort, occupying a domestic space that provides a feeling of safety, and yet, Martin’s works assail us with words of pain and venom. The artist chooses her words carefully – not just the phrases or quotes, the artist composing short-form poetry through thread – the artist preferring a “big bold serif font”. These literary compositions howl from sweetly crafted quilts and carefully stitched love hearts, the viewer unable to look away from the messages they convey.
Textile art is a deeply physical pursuit, which is why when given as gifts they embody the gift of time and effort, though this is often left unspoken and, historically, unappreciated. Indeed, Martin has spilled blood for her art more than once, saying “my grandmother taught me to sew and cautioned me to be careful as she had once sewn over her fingers – while making Cruelty I did the same thing. It felt like a bonding moment”.
It is this that gives these words their power. These are thoughts that have been painstakingly brought into being, wrought with intent. They speak to endless generations of the voiceless, articulated through the very conventions they have been repressed by. Martin’s works are arresting and powerful, harnessing the weight of words to create a dichotomy of meaning which speaks louder than text alone.
Above: Clara Martin, Cruelty, 2023. Textiles, 200 x 200cm. Courtesy: the artist.
Clara Martin, Quilt No.4 (Better the Devil You Know), 2022. Textiles, 70 x 50cm.
Clara Martin, The Home Quilt, 2023.
Textiles, 50 x 70cm.