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Artist Fiona Powell is celebrating the unveiling of her first solo exhibition ‘Innerstanding – crucible of the heart’ at The Wyllieum.
Fiona’s beautiful collection of pieces includes photographs, and items of clothing which blend textile painting with costume making.
The Greenock artist said hosting her first solo collection is ‘quite surreal and very emotional’.
Fiona, 36, said: “There were so many women in the past who were pioneers; predecessors of modern-day science linked to alchemy.
“I’ve made these garments as a nod to these amazing women.
“I find it all fascinating and wanted to link my art to history and make it more present.
“I wouldn’t have known about any of these women if I hadn’t researched them.”
Fiona studied contemporary art and philosophy at Duncan of Johnstone College and graduated in 2015.
When her son Connor was born in 2016, Fiona’s artistic practice changed and she started becoming more interested in sewing and textiles.
She said: “It was easier for me to do that as a new mum.
“I started taking commissions and really enjoyed making ‘made to measure’ for curvy figures, so I got really into that.”
Fiona collaborated with other artists and got involved in film projects and started to become interested in blending contemporary art and costume making.
During the Covid lockdown, she took a series of photographs of herself in an ‘autobiographical coat’ which was decorated with text and messages, and these photos feature in the exhibition.
Fiona said: “It was a way of having a bit of fun and grounding myself at an awful time.
“The photos were taken through a window and opened up my own wee world.
“A lot of my practice is still rooted in being at home and I make everything in my kitchen.”
Fiona started making the clothes which appear at The Wyllieum in October last year.
She says she’s continually inspired by the work of George Wyllie who enjoyed ‘being playful and having fun with art’.
Like Wyllie, her creations have a deeper meaning that can be explored.
Fiona added: “This is the first time I’ve made costumes purely for the sake of it and for the fun of it, and completely for myself.
“I wanted there to be layers but you don’t need to be reading all the background to it to enjoy it.
“Sometimes you just want to lose your eyes in something and not think about it too much, and relax your eyes into the colour.
“I wanted it to be something that people can just look at and appreciate and celebrate.”
Fiona, who is part of the outreach team at the Wyllieum, said her exhibition wouldn’t be possible without the help and support of the amazing team at the gallery and community space.
Fiona runs art classes and workshops in the upstairs space and says she feels ‘so comfortable and at home’ with everyone she has met.
She added: “I’m really happy and just so proud of everything around me.
“I don’t think I could have done this without that support I’ve received.
“We’re going to continue to opening up the upstairs space and welcome people in.
“You don’t need creative experience – you just need a curiosity and interest in trying out different things.”
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