Debbie Smyth

Bio: Debbie Smyth is textile artist most identifiable by her statement thread drawings; these playful yet sophisticated contemporary artworks  are created by stretching a network of threads between accurately plotted pins. Her work beautifully blurs the boundaries between fine art drawings and textile art, flat and 3D work, illustration and embroidery, literally lifting the drawn line off the page in a series of “pin and thread” drawings.

Debbie plays with scale well; creating both gallery installations and works for domestic interiors. Her unique style  lends itself to suit corporate environments, public spaces, window display, set design, graphic design and illustration. By collaborating with interior designers, architects and other creative practitioners, Debbie pushes the expected scope of her work even further.

“On first glance, it can look like a mass of threads but as you get closer sharp lines come into focus, creating a spectacular image. The images are first plotted out before being filled out with the thread, the sharp angles contrasting with the floating ends of the thread.  And despite the complexity of the lengthy process I try to capture a great feeling of energy and spontaneity, and, in some cases, humor.”

“I feel as if I am taking thread out of its comfort zone, presenting it on monumental scale and creating an eye-catching, and in some case jaw dropping effect.”

Linear Works are drawings inspired by commonplace objects. Everyday we see strong linear structures, architectural forms, iconic objects;  These play with the angles and perspective to give extra depth to my drawing. The drawings are firstly plotted to give Smyth the bare bones of the image. Then she gradually exaggerate and add more thread and knots, just like you would add shading with a pencil. Thread, such a pliable and soft material with great line quality. A vast quantity of Linear Works are commissioned; if you have any questions or enquiries about commissioning work, please get in touch.

Debbie Smyth
Drawing with Thread Video
Interview

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MA Visual Arts Standards:

1.1 Use a variety of materials and media, for example, crayons, chalk, paint, clay, various kinds of papers, textiles, and yarns, and understand how to use them to produce different visual effects

1.14 Demonstrate a mastery of tools and techniques in one medium

2.2  For line, explore the use of line in 2D and 3D works
Identify a wide variety of types of lines in the environment and in artwork

2.8  For line, use and be able to identify various types of line, for example in contour drawings, calligraphy, freehand studies from observation, memory, and imagination, and schematic studies