I work with fabric and thread in an intuitive way, using a combination of the following techniques: free motion embroidery, simple hand embroidery, raw edge appliqué and appliqué. The process of hand stitching intrigues me, particularly the practice of slow stitching. I have always been drawn to fabric, growing up I would dye pieces of fabric in various ways and stitch these together to form what what I would call ‘a quanket’ – I suppose a creative quilt. This enthralled me for hours. As a young child I loved playing ‘school school’ with friends, but I wasn’t very good at allowing anyone else to be the teacher. I would sit in lectures and think ‘gosh I would love to be up there’ – later after I had received my MA in Anthropology (cum laude) I did end up teaching first and second year students, which felt very nourishing, as it was a dream. Yet, I had this deep desire to make and be surrounded by colour, texture and to just be creative in a tactile way. During 2017 the journey of Alla D by Ali Oelofse began. Over the years Alla D by Ali Oelofse has become a traversing of the everyday – stitching stories of the everyday – the ordinary things that happen that we often feel aren’t important. I am deeply inspired by the everyday, the Japanese notion of wabi sabi, stitching stories of the goings on around us – whether a moment of stillness, a flower, a very tall tree, people and conversations and of course the changing seasons. Within this notion of the everyday I am inspired by the idea of ‘home’ – exploring ideas of home and belonging. The meaning of home and the idea of connection and ‘groundedness’ is a notion that intrigues me.
I find working with fabric and thread both healing and uplifting, creating moments of stillness and surrender. I share the joy of slow stitch, quieting the heart with others through workshops – each time I am left in awe at the profound impact hand stitching and the journey of exploring various narratives seems to have on people. It’s ‘magic’. There is a connection that takes place – a connection to the Self though the material, something happens when one engages the head, heart and hands. A slowing down which allows one to listen to the rumbles of the heart. I believe my role as an artist is to inspire and bring a little sense of whimsy and joy, an idea of ‘lightness’ in our often very serious world either through a workshop or by the art I create. I am humbled by people and their journeys.
‘To stitch is to be’ – to be still, to ponder, to create, to be inspired’
Crafivism (Betsy Greer 2003) and Social justice are areas I am deeply inspired by, the idea of impacting peoples lives and the lives we live by guiding and recognising the beauty in the everyday – uplifting and empowering people through art. The reflective and mindful practice of hand stitching – an ancient craft that is still so pertinent. What Clementina van der Walt would refer to as “seeking the sacred in the ordinary” (van der Walt, C (2017:16). Making art available to all no matter your background or socioeconomic status, encouraging community engagement through practices of art making.
I have a background in Anthropology with a particular interest in Education and Communication. Prior to working creatively with fabric and thread I taught Anthropology at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. I live in Edmonton with my husband Dylan and our golden retriever, Oliver.
Alla D by Ali Oelofse 