A rising local artist has begun her residency at the Ferens Art Gallery as part of a commission by Hull City Council.
Erin Ledsom is an embroidery artist from Hull and a recent graduate of the prestigious Royal College of Needlework. Her colourful and textured work often draws inspiration from her hometown. She was Future Ferens Young and Emerging Talent winner at the 2021 Ferens Open Exhibition.
Erin has been commissioned to produce a piece of artwork recognising the vital contribution of frontline workers during the pandemic. She is the first artist to undertake a residency at the Ferens and the first female artist to be commissioned in association with the Ferens.
As well as producing the piece, which will be displayed in the Guildhall, Erin has an exhibition at the Ferens Art Gallery which showcases her work to date. It is displayed in Gallery 11, which has been transformed into an artist residency space for Erin to work on her commissioned piece. Erin will open her studio to the public every day and be available to talk to the public about her work every Wednesday this summer at 11am and 2pm.
Erin will also take part in a wider programme of activity that will include embroidery workshops open to young people in Hull.
Erin Ledsom works intuitively, creating marks and shapes to form vibrant backgrounds for the motifs she creates. She uses hand embroidery skills to bring her illustrations to life, using unconventional materials, such as straws, pipe cleaners, hair bobbles and pom poms, in her hand embroidery techniques. These add texture and 3D elements alongside the use of 3D beading techniques, goldwork, crewelwork and raised work techniques.
The commission is being supported by the Rupert Alec Smith Trust Fund and Arts Council England.
Councillor Alison Collinson, Chair of Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd said: “I’m delighted to be welcoming spectacular local artist Erin Ledsom to the Ferens as part of its first ever residency. Erin’s vivid work has paid homage to her home city of Hull, with her love for the city embedded in many of her pieces, so I’m delighted that she has been selected for this commission and can’t wait to see what she produces.”
Erin Ledsom said: “I feel honoured that I have been chosen to work on this commission. I can’t wait to get started on the project which will pay credit to all the workers for their incredible efforts during the pandemic.”
The exhibition runs until Sunday 4 December 2022.
