From a twenty three metre knitted clothes line to an installation reflecting Shetland’s textile history. Made over three years, ‘Shetland’ is an exciting and varied exhibition of new works by Digswell Arts Alumni and HVAF member Connie Flynn, exploring links between traditional and contemporary, including hand and machine made textiles.

The aim is an over view of the exploratory textile degree coursework, visual studies, sketchbooks, design processes, samples and final outcomes. Much of the 2D and 3D work is Shetland inspired and focuses predominantly on texture, colour and pattern.

Connie Flynn has worked in the arts for over twenty years as a teacher, art therapist, community artist and Digswell Arts Alumni, holding a fellowship between August 2004 – October 2005 at the Digswell Arts Farmhouse site in Stevenage.

Her own practice in stained glass and textiles has been exhibited in the UK and abroad. In 2011 after working as an Artist in Residence in Hertfordshire for six years she decided to go back to University to study a B.A. in Contemporary Textiles. Already an established felt maker with a passion for hand stitching, her plan was to develop new skills and combine them with the skills and techniques she already had. The choice was University of Highlands and Islands, Shetland, an island of pure natural beauty with a fascinating and rich textile history. Throughout the degree Connie often travelled back south, twenty six hours door to door, which included the twelve hours overnight boat from Aberdeen to Shetland in all weathers. She frequently packed sketchbooks and materials to work with in transit.

Throughout the practical and research based degree course, she learnt new skills in weaving, knitting, textile sculpture and research methods, allowing her to develop her arts practice. On completion of the degree she received a distinction, Connie welcomes you to join her in the celebration of her new work.

The Upstairs Gallery can be found above the Post Office at 268 Berkhamsted High Street, open Tues-Sat 10-4pm.

For further information about Connie’s practice click here