Karina Thompson studied Fashion and Textiles at Birmingham College of Art, and began her career as an embroiderer. The works in the collection used a revolutionary technique where by wire threads were stitched over ‘vanishing muslin’. This fabric has a low scorch point and disappears when heated in an oven, leaving only the intricate patterns of metal thread. The resulting mesh is stiffened with spray lacquers and resins before being folded. These lace elements were then combined with exotic feathers and patinated metals. The works in the collection also utilise brass and copper folded and soldered into shape; the metal is then patinated.

 

Glossary

  • Metal

    Metal is a medium frequently used by artists to make art works - from sculpture to printmaking. Surfaces can display an array of colours and textures, and are capable of being polished to a high gloss; metal can be melted, cast, or fused, hammered into thin sheets, or drawn into wire.