Textile Artist
ABOUT
Textile Artist based in Norfolk, UK, Abigail Frusher specialises in Hand Embroidery. Alumni of the Royal School Of Needlework, she has been trained in the historical skill of embroidery. Preserving this craft and pushing its boundries as a contemporary art form is the focus of her practice. The artists inspiration stems from her interest in the natural history of the earth, prehistoric landscapes and the evolution of life forms. Currently Abigail lives and works in Norfolk and is available to book for workshops and commissions. To enquire about sales or any other queries you are welcome to contact the artist directly via email or instagram @abigaillilyfrusher
EXHIBITIONS
(upcoming) 2020
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE SHOW
Culminating show of the artist work produced while being Artist in Residence at Downham Market Academy, held in co-junction with GCSE and A-level art final shows. A range of ceramics, textiles, prints, painting and drawing all made in the school studio space.
October 2019-February 2020
THE GRAIN LOFT
The artist's work is now for sale at The Grain Loft. An eco friendly shop located in a converted windmill, the shops ethos is to support artists and independant makers. Works featured at the space are bespoke embroidered artworks and a range of hand-beaded jewellery.
August 25-31, 2019
SOLO SHOW
The first solo show by the artist held in community arts space West Acre Gallery in Norfolk. A mixture of current works including pen and ink studies, textile sculpture, jewellery, hand embroidered artworks, sketchbooks and beach combing collection. See gallery website here....
August 3-16th 2019
OUT OF THE FRAME
A show by the Royal School of Needlework showcasing the pushing of boundires with hand embroidery. Featuring one of Abigail's hand felted and emboidered vessels. Held at R-space gallery in Lisburn.
June 8-16, 2018
DEGREE SHOW
The final collection of work produced for BA Hons Hand Embroidery. Held at the Royal Scool Of Needlework in grounds of Hampton Court Palace, the show was a statement of what is possible with the skill.
July 2018
NEW DESIGNERS
Part of The Royal School Of Neddlework graduates stand, Abigail showcased her final collection of hand felted and embroidered vessels.
July 1-13th, 2017
30 YEARS AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE
A celebration of the Royal School of needlework working from Hamptn Court Palace for 30 years, a cumulative show showing works from these years up to current students. Abigail's degree work was featured in the current students selection.
May 20th-July 9th 2017
OFF THE SURFACE
A live project for students of RSN held at The Devon Guild of Craftsmen. Working from the historical textile archive of the RSN, students created contemporary works inspired by their research.
ARTIST CV
PRIMARY SCHOOL OUTREACH WORKSHOP NO.1 AND 2
March 2020
Linked to Artist in Residence role, a workshop held at a primary school for year 5 students titled "What do Artist's do all day?" Consisted of a talk by the Artist and a workshop making concertina sketchbooks.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOP NO.8
January 2020
100 minute workshop with year 8 students to explore clay as a media. Made a pinch pot shell sculpture inspired by shells from the artist's beach combing collection. Looking at detail on natural forms and mark making in three dimensions.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOP NO.7
January 2020
100 minute workshop delivered to year 8 students to experience using clay. Made pinch pot sculptures inspired by the artist's collection of shells. Focus on mark making to imitate the surface of natural forms.
ARTIST IN RESIDENCE WORKSHOP NO.6
December 2019
100 minute workshop delivered to year 9 students focusing on portraiture. Pen and watercolour studies of portraits worked onto calico. The aim was to capture the imperfection and combine portraiture and textiles.
ARTIST RESIDENCY WORSHOP NO.5
November 2019
100 minute workshop for year 12 focusing on botanical style illustrations on fabric. Inspiration from indian chintz designs, they created thier own versions on calico and stitched into them.
ARTIST RESIDENCY WORKSHOP NO.4
November 2019
100 minute workshop delivered to year 7. introduction talk about what an artist does and her journey, then making collaged concertina books for inspiration on chosen theme.
ARTIST RESIDENCY WORKSHOP NO.3
November 2019
100 minute workshop delivered to year 8 students. Artist talk about her practice, followed by collage sketchbook of own inspirations. Focusing on natural form and using different media on each page.
ARTIST RESIDENCY WORKSHOP NO.2
November 2019
100 minute workshop delivered to year 13 students using wire, takng inspiration from natural form.
ARTIST RESIDENCEY WORKSHOP NO.1
November 2019
A 100 minute workshop delivered to year 12 students about how to capture natural form in wire.
ARTIST ASSISTANT
December 2018
Assisted in the running of community workshops for artist commissioned project, Histon, Cambridge
HAND EMBROIDERER
November 2017
One of the hand embroidery team for Alexander Mcqueen, the making of wedding dress for Serena Williams. Hand beading and stitching.
EMBROIDERY WORKSHOP TUTOR
October 2017
Assistant tutor of workshop for Art and Textiles Teachers in Norfolk. How to use hand embroidery techniques in different ways on a self personlised tote bag.
"CAREER'S IN FASHION"
October 2017
Exhibtior at "Careers in Fashion", at the Victoria and Albert Museum to represent the fashion industry. Aimed at 16-25yr olds to discover what oppertunaties are available in further education.
EMBROIDERY WORSHOP TUTOR
April 2017
A workshop for art diploma students at University of Creative Arts, Rochester to explore ways of encourprating objects into hand embroidery.
HAND EMBROIDERY DEMONSTRATOR
September 2016
Live demonstrator at "Burbury Makers House" for the release of the Autumn collection 2016. Royal School Of Needlework stand showcasing the historical skill.
LIVE HAND EMBROIDERER
September 2016
Live hand embroidery team produced artwork panel inspired by historical plasterworks. Luxury Made at Kensignton Olympia.
FREELANCE EMBROIDERER
September 2016
Working for Zandra Rhodes on a vintage collection of dresses form the V and A. hand beading and stitching onto garments.
WORKSHOP ASSISTANT
March 2016
Assisting teaching the public of all ages how to do cross stitch with Mr X-Stitch at the Knitting and Stitching Show 2016 Alexandra Kensignton Olympia.
FREELANCE EMBROIDERER
Feburary 2016
Working for Hussein Chalyan sewing on swarkzi crystals onto garments
ARTWORK EMBROIDERER
Feburary 2016
Part of the team at the Royal School of Needlework making an original artwork for Game of Thrones, the release of season five on DVD.
COSTUME ASSISTANT
May 2014
Working in Salisbury Playhouse Costume department. Putting together costumes, chossing fabrics, swatches and labelling.
STONE MASONARY TUITION
May 2013
One to one training with professinal stone mason, learning the key techniques of carving.
PUBLICATIONS
NEW ART SCHEME STARTS AT SCHOOL
Featured in The Lynn News
ARTISTS VISION TO HELP PUPILS FOLLOW DREAMS
Featured in Your Local Paper