Domino Whisker’s latest exhibition is deeply personal, comprising hand-embroidered works and tapestries of birds in murmuration on antique linen, symbolising life and loss …
What was the starting point for Parenthesis?
The title “Parenthesis” carries dual meanings in relation to this show. When broken down, it reveals two words: “parent” and “thesis.” This reflects the seven years I spent caring for my father as he battled Alzheimer’s. It speaks to the profoundly bittersweet journey we shared, as our roles evolved from father and daughter to patient and caregiver. The works in this exhibition are a continuous exploration of my relationship with him, and how I navigate life without him now. Each piece represents an interval – a pause in my daily existence – where I seek to convey that the feeling of loss never truly fades. It’s always present, quietly waiting for its moment to be acknowledged and understood.
Dad’s Heart
A familiar motif soars through these new works – birds in murmuration – has this been a longtime hobby or recent discovery?
I find immense inspiration during sunset and sunrise when the sky changes its colours, either emerging from the darkness or fading into it. These moments, twilight in particular, have a special air of magic for me, where the weight of the world dissolves, and I am overcome with a quiet sense of hope and beauty. The soundtrack of birdsong fills these moments, and I feel comfort knowing that these birds are also attuned to the changing light. The way these birds move so seamlessly in unison, knowing exactly which way to turn, reminds me of my own place as a small part of a vast and complex world.
Slowly..Slowly
What is the symbolism behind your new works and how does it fit with your recurrent themes?
Each bird in “Parenthesis” symbolises the spirit of someone I have lost personally. I wanted there to be ambiguity to each piece, the question of whether or not each bird is alive is up to the viewer. For me, the spirit of a person is kept alive by those that they leave behind – this is my way of doing that, an act of remembrance. This is something I have always tried to do with my work, though very much preoccupied by absence or loss, there is hope and light to be found when examined closely.
A Pause (for you)
How and where do you work?
My work usually begins with something that’s comes to me, or heard in a piece of music or poetry. I will repeat it internally until I am able to conjure up appropriate imagery to partner the words and, ultimately, I have to stitch it in order to make it stop spinning in my mind. Growing up, I always wanted to be a poet or musician who could write music and words that moved people, so I guess I’m trying to fulfil that part of myself. The process of embroidery is slow and calm, which gives room for reflection.
I love this work – it is an intimate, slow process, and extremely cathartic.
How long does it take to complete one of your gorgeous tapestries and embroideries?
My embroideries can take anywhere from five to 50 hours, depending on the intricacy and scale of the piece. The tapestries have a similar process in terms of idea and execution, but rather than outsourcing a manufacturer my partner Stu and I spent the last two and a half years teaching ourselves how to produce them in-house.
Each piece is drawn or painted by me, then traced to create a simplified line drawing, which is then projected onto a large scale tapestry frame. Colours are then carefully considered from our collection of pure wool yarn. Stu then handtufts the final piece. Once the tufting is completed, both of us spend hours carving each shape into the wool. It is as tedious as embroidery in many ways, with the final piece being much larger. Having always worked alone, sharing this process has been really special, and it’s given me an opportunity to be more experimental with my ideas and colour palettes.
Need to know: Following her recent exhibitions in LA and at Château La Coste in France, Domino Whisker’s new exhibition “Parenthesis” takes place in Gormleys, 27 Frederick Street South, Dublin 2 from March 13 to April 5. www.gormleys.ie @dominowhisker
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