‘Together’ was inspired and co-produced by the people who have contributed drawings of themselves, friends and family to be stitched into this work. This vast banner symbolizes unity – built not by one, but by many. Each portrait reflects a personal story, coming together to form a vibrant embroidery. I created a background which I stitched from the reverse and then populated it, seeking to honour how people see themselves and the richness of the wider community. Stitched freely across the fabric by me, the drawings find new companions and create unexpected visual communities. The varied placement, colours, and scales reflect the organic, creative spirit of co-creation. ‘Together’ expresses belonging, shaped through the power and desire to connect with each other.
The original portrait drawings seen here contributed to the banner ‘Together’. Across many months, around 500 drawings were gifted to be interpreted in a variety of scales, colours and repeats through the process of Alice Kettle’s stitching. Chloe Briggs of Drawing is Free writes, ‘Aware that we have the same motivation to connect with people through drawing,Alice invited the community of artists who draw portraits with me on Mondays as part of Drawing is Free to share their work… her hand was held out to us and our lines are now woven with hers.’ Many other individuals, schools, groups and organisations supported this process. They include: AccessArt; The Black Swan Arts; Strode College; Suzanne Partridge with artwork created by the International Community in the Calais Jungle, 2015/16, and refugee contributors to Alice Kettle’s project ‘Thread Bearing Witness’. Alice Kettle