HAND & LOCK THE PRIZE 2018

In 2018 Alex entered her ‘Final Major Project’ collection titled ‘Faith & Fears’ into the esteemed international Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery competition. 'The Prize' is the most prestigious UK based embroidery competition and offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase upcoming artists and practitioners works. Alex was delighted to win both the 1st prize in the Student Textile Art category and the Goldwork Award given by The Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers (GSWD).

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The competition process compromises of first submitting a series of 6 digital images/mood boards showing the research, design journey, embroidery samples and overall vision of the applicants entry. The selected finalists are then paired up with a mentor. Alex was paired with Diana Springall which was a wonderful opportunity for Alex to work with an industry specialist who could give guidance towards the final submission. The finalist's finished submissions are then exhibited for guests and members of the public to view and vote for their favourites to win.

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Alex's award-winning sculptural and wearable headdresses explore the idea of the conflict and contrast between the two themes of faith and fear and takes inspiration from the Byzantine mosaics in Sicily and her phobia of spiders. Through intricate designs and use of traditional and modern embroidery, the pieces show how her fears are overcome by changing the perspective to instead make them into something exquisite and beautiful. “Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.” (Nikos Kazantzakis, n.d.)

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Hand & Lock Prize 2018 - Winners revealed (handembroidery.com)