Lucky Jacks, 2006

I have long been a fan of Kimberley Hart’s work, even before I myself was a fiber artist, I was drawn to her playfulness and humor.  And though I have written about her a number of times on my personal blog I decided she needed to be talked about here on the pages of Hello Craft.

Big Shot Tackle, 2007

What first attracted me to Kimberley’s work was the colorful palette, fairytale subjects, and the simple kitchy craft practices used.  Her work is inspired by girlhood therefore she turned toward the crafts she learned in her own childhood at summer camp- latch hook rugs, gods eye weaving, barbie doll knitting machine magic, tyoical craft room felt, and macrame. The result is a whimsical and exciting world to explore.

Aquatic Traps, 2005

Kimberley’s work explores what is behind the docile doe eyed eyes of the sweet little girl to explore and celebrate her rambunctious, wild, tomboy nature.  By creating an alter ego of this wild little girl Kimberley explores and comments on the expectations and “sentimental depictions” of both girls and craft.

Buck shot, 2007

Whimper, 2008

Kimberley states:

My work embraces this superficial and benign vision of little girls while exposing the brazen nature absent from representations of excessive sweetness…This preoccupation with the more malevolent inclinations of the quintessential sweet girl prompted the emergence of an alter ego that tramples on traditional sentimental expectations and serves as a constant source of inspiration. The work reveals the complex nature of this fictional character through mini, make-believe narratives that depict her enterprising endeavors….I use a wide range of kitsch processes and materials ranging from sequins and stickers to latch-hook rugs and macramé. Exceeding the conventions of sentimentality, with it’s excessive, indulgent, and at times, sardonic sensibilities, my ultra- frilly missy continues to defy expectations.

Ponyache

I would love to have a playdate with either the artist or the muse, it would promise to be a delightful time.