I began the project by researching into cricket, something I knew very little about. I wanted to find some element of the game to inspire me and act as a starting point for my ideas. The point that caught my imagination was the importance of the ‘spin’ on the cricket ball when it’s bowled; the concept of spinning is obviously a fundamental principle in woven textiles. The spin of the yarn dictates its behavior, its character and how easy a yarn it is to handle. An over-spun yarn is very ‘lively’ making it difficult to control in a warp – you can also see the actual tension in the yarn. A filament yarn (which isn’t physically spun) tends to have more lustre and more ‘drape’ and once again you can see its lack of tension in its handle. There is an obvious analogy between a skilled weaver and spinner and with the ability of a highly skilled bowler to perfect and control the amount of spin on the bowled ball. Both also highlight the skill of the hand in tandem with the brain. This led my design ideas to exploring the idea of spins and twists.

My ‘Resonate body of work is very much about showing textile constructions in an unexpected context by encapsulating them in resin. Most of the pieces I have made in the past explore a more ‘deconstructed’ aesthetic in particular the ‘Loose Threads’ series which relate to the idea of the unwoven warp threads on loom captured in the moment before they are tensioned to begin weaving. These sculptures and wall panels have all been made into very geometric ‘block’ shapes and forms acting as a striking contrast to the more organic textile content. However for this vessel commission I wanted to have a more controlled, structured textile content, juxtaposed against a more fluid acrylic form. The idea of narrow hand woven ribbons with a single ‘twist’ seemed the most appropriate way to articulate the ‘spin’ idea. After establishing the idea of capturing taut twisted ribbons, I then started exploring gently twisted undulating forms for the acrylic vessel to take which would compliment the linear ribbons. I was also giving consideration to the types of shadows that would be cast underneath the vessel by the ribbons and how these shadows would actually interact with the vessel itself. The rectangular shape of the vessel (before it was twisted into its final form) relates to the proportions of the stumps and bails and also has echoes of the wicket itself. The choice of black and gold was an instinctive decision. I wanted strong colours that would react to light and add visual impact. I also wanted to use colours with a classic feel to give the piece a visual longevity.