Sonia Bidwell: Textiles

this work awakens the youthful excitement in one's mythological heritage

Article by Gabriella Griffith | 10 Feb 2007
A visit to a textile exhibition runs the risk of sounding about as exciting as a trip to Laura Ashley, but the imaginative work of Sonia Bidwell offers more than just well woven wools and pleasing colour schemes. The pieces in this collection are all inspired by Celtic poetry and almost all are accompanied by the verse from which they sprung. The tapestries themselves comprise of a colourful woollen base, recalling South American rugs, to which Bidwell makes a number of additions. From a distance the pieces appear bold yet simplistic; however, on closer inspection their intricacies become apparent. The attached pieces of bone, shell, broken pottery and other such items add a symbolism which draws the viewer's fascination. These additions create layers of meaning which represent Bidwell's vision of each poem. 'Lament of Mary Queen of Scots', inspired by Robert Burns' poetry, forms the radiant centre piece of the exhibition. With its use of mirrored surfaces and attached silver chest it creates an intoxicating collage. The Scottish Storytelling Centre might seem to be the last place that one would find groundbreaking pieces of contemporary art and perhaps it is. What one does find, however, is a collection of delightfully quaint tapestries that awaken the youthful excitement in one's mythological heritage. [Gabriella Griffith]
Scottish Storytelling Centre, 43-43 High St Edinburgh until 3 March. Free.