Theresa Kelly – Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace Textile Artist
I discovered the beauty and versatility of Carrickmacross Lace after a move to the area. I became fascinated with the technique of making lace, it became all-consuming.
This exhibition represents examples of my seminal work practice over the last three and a half decades. What interests me most with lace-making is the possibility within the discipline. I have scope to develop and express myself within the technique. Through exploration I am constantly pushing the boundaries of traditional lace techniques. This leads to continual questioning and transforming previous work, therein creating contemporary genres while always remaining grounded within the traditional techniques of Carrickmacross Lace.
The exhibition is a journey through my creative story. It begins with my early fashion items inspired by nature that then progressed into 3D flowers and foliage works. The more recent work rejoices in the stitch, contrasting that stitch with line, pattern and texture found in the natural world leading to a more abstract approach. The conversation between the gossamer threads and the organic forms in nature invites the participant to investigate and to appreciate that lace is a relevant form of expression in the creative sphere.
Theresa will be teaching virtual Carrickmacross classes this winter – a beginning butterfly pattern in February and an intermediate iris pattern in March. Please visit our Virtual Education page for more details.
Connect with Theresa: Facebook: @TheresaKellyLace ~ Instagram: @theresakellylace ~ Email: theresakellylace@gmail.com
Click on an image to see it full sized. Also, Theresa has provided audio descriptions to accompany many of the images. Click on any play button (►) to listen.
Detail
Traditional Carrickmacross Lace techniques. Cotton netting and cotton organdy.
Detail of applique, guipure and embossed pops techniques. (1993)
Traditional Carrickmacross Lace techniques. Cotton netting and cotton organdy. (1991-1992)
Detail of applique, guipure and filling in stitches techniques.
3D Carrickmacross Lace on velvet. (1995)
Detail
Detail
3D Carrickmacross Lace on velvet. (1996)
3D Carrickmacross Lace on slate (1997)
Contemporary 3D Carrickmacross Lace on felt (1997)
3D Carrickmacross Lace on handmade silk paper. (1997)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace and feathers on slate. (2000)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace and feathers on slate. (2000-2026)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace on slate. (1999)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace feathers and gold leaf on slate.
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace on handmade silk paper. (2009-2015)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace and feathers.
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace on handmade silk paper.
Techniques of 3D applique, loops and guipure.
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace sculpture and feathers. (2014- )
Contemporary Carrickmacross lace and wood bark. (2016-2019)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace, wood bark and silk paper. (2020-2021)
Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace, wood bark, wood roots and silk paper.
3D Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace linen threads, linen, wood and nails. (2022)
Detail of loop techniques.
3D Contemporary Carrickmacross Lace Sculpture and wood roots. (2020)