Hand stitched stories with Sabine Kaner

Free admission

Sabine Kaner uses a variety of textile-based mixed media techniques.  The focus of the work centres around socio-political issues, both past and present.

The process of making is hand stitching, which is enhanced by a variety of materials and mediums.  This includes but is not restricted to applique, boiled wool, felt, glass, paint and print making.  A main feature of the work is the use of repurposed clothing, with some garments being used that have personal and autobiographical connections which are integral to the stories that she is portraying.

Metaphor and symbolism play a large part in the work and can be seen in the use of colour, as well as the shape and composition of the chosen stitched components.

The exhibition runs from Wednesday 28th June  through to and including Thursday 24th August 2023.   Opening times are 10-4pm Wednesdays through Sundays. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays and occasionally for other events in the main hall – we recommend you call first if travelling a distance to avoid disappointment.  

Sabine Kaner

About Sabine Kaner

Sabine went to art school in the 1980s, in London and Manchester, and studied printmaking. She then spent some time working in an unrelated field, had a family and started her own small Arts and Crafts business.

later she studied social sciences and art therapy as a mature student at postgraduate level. Family and life circumstances prevented her from continuing to develop her practice until only a few years ago. She now works with mixed media and draw upon many disciplines to produce work.

In her own words:  My work is very much informed by my experiences as well as my studies. My identity as a biracial person is intertwined with the work I produce. Compositions often express a very complicated personal journey.

I have a strong interest in Mental Health and Outsider Art, specifically in the perspectives of marginalised people and artists.

I have also worked on various community projects, including an artist’s residency in a school focusing on developing early creativity.

Materials & Techniques

My work starts with a piece of calico or linen and is built up from there. I often use felt and selected items of recycled clothing, creating a collage of materials. Some are donated to me by the family or I visit second hand shops. I was trained as a printer, so I use familiar printing techniques to make my initial marks alongside drawing and watercolours.

Before I start a piece of work I do quite a lot of initial research into the techniques I want to use and how I would like the piece to turn out, but this is always a loose vision as the piece once started takes on a life of its own.

I use a lot of stitching in my work, as I really enjoy the rhythm of hand stitch, and find it very therapeutic. Watching the piece build up through layers of fabric and stitch is very satisfying. My threads are like a box of paints, and for me are what transform the piece into my personal vision.

Warning: There are occasions when the main hall is closed for a performance or private event. In order to avoid any disappointment we recommend you check availability, especially if travelling any distance. Thank you