I work with silk, which I dye and mark, and cut and stitch, developing colour and texture. My images relate to landscape and plant forms, which fascinate me in their amazing variety, patterns of growth, and solutions to their particular conditions. My German partner is Sue Putnam Vüllers, who works within a ‘yellow pages’ printed grid system, with collage shapes applied. Her images are an intellectual comment on society - very different from mine.

In my first piece, I have used the dyes to realistically draw and represent the orchids that I grow, and which intrigue me with their idiosyncratic patterns and colours.Then referring to Sue's grid, I imposed a pleated system. Measuring regular rows of dots, they were stitched together in alternate directions, resulting in the work being reduced to a third of the original size, all of the ‘drawing’ disappeared, while the fabric formed regular diamond pockets of light and shade.The flowers dissolved into a rich haze of colours, and the details, characteristic of orchids, became emphasised.

Also working with collage techniques using papers and silks directly onto Sue’s ‘yellow pages’ has
enabled me to progress in a more spontaneous way. Ironically these prescribed rules have been
creatively liberating.

Helen Ripley
Orchid
Smocked silk. 2005


Susan Putnam Vüllers
Pillbox
2005

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