The Making of Formations
Formations is a body of quilted textile work exploring abstraction, landscape, and memory through hand-stitched compositions. Developed in my Brighton studio using reclaimed cloth, the series brings together large-scale quilt forms and layered collage to express a deeply personal, place-rooted practice in contemporary quilting.
“We are not only a unified entity, but balancing each other, we are about the sequential; what comes next and what came before? The formation is not complete without something above and below, left and right. It is consecutive and connective—it is held within its relationship to its neighbour.”
Formations is a collection that bridges periods of time. It evolves from a desire to review the past while also looking forward. Hand-drawn marks become looming forms; large compositions emerge as boulders from the landscape in hues of deep, provoking blue. These collages—taken moments in time—reflect my childhood and connection to place, landscape, and community.
This series emerges from a journey of self-reflection and a desire to reconnect with ideas and memory. It explores the formation of identity by examining how various motifs—from geological and organic forms to personal symbolism—are shaped and brought to life. Through a thoughtful interplay of shape, form, abstraction, and assemblage, I sought to express an intimate connection with my surroundings and experience. Each piece reflects the past, present, and future aspects of myself.
Working from my home studio in Brighton, I’ve embraced an approach that’s both thoughtful and resourceful. Using found and renewed textiles, I create works that are not just visually compelling but also rich with stories of creativity and innovation. The process is where the magic happens—embracing simplicity, celebrating the beauty of limitation, and seeing every scrap of material as an opportunity for discovery.
For me, crafting these contemporary design narratives is about more than just the finished piece; it’s about honouring the process. It’s about finding balance, exploring connections, and ultimately, creating something that speaks to both the past and the future—a formation of ideas and identities, all held together by the threads of my experiences.
Formations will be on display from the 10th to the 13th of October at Alessandra Palace at the Knitting and Stitching Show and at the Harrogate venue from the 20th to the 24th of November. If you’re interested in experiencing the exhibition, you can book tickets here. You can use the code HOUSEOFQUINN24 for a discounted ticket to the show.
I hope to see you there and share this new series of work with you.
