Naseem Darbey

After a busy day I was in two minds about going to the Guild’s monthly talk, but after googling the speaker I was intrigued and decided to chance it. I’m so glad that I did. Naseem had driven all the way from Leeds to talk to us, battling weather and bad traffic to be with us.

Having trained in illustration and embroidery at Halifax College of Art, she began using freehand stitch as her preferred drawing method. Through direct observation she creates unique three dimensional pieces. Working on a range of museum projects her inventive mind and skilful use of threads were evident.

© Naseem Darbey

Memorable work was some beautifully 'drawn' crows. She made each feather separately then assembled the whole creating a lace-like yet somehow sinister quality. Her own life experience had a big impact on her work and after coping with breast cancer and a mastectomy she managed to get funding to study at the Museum of Pathology, Kings College, London. Here she developed some amazing and beautiful pieces from studies of cancerous breasts. She became interested in the lighting and use of shadow as well as using lights within her work. She is now working on developing a larger scale ‘walk in’ piece in collaboration with an architect.

© Naseem Darbey

Naseem’s energy and enthusiasm was captivating. We were full of admiration for not only her amazing and beautiful work, but her ability to get funding and to work collaboratively with a range of organisations and people.

© Naseem Darbey

I was one of the first to sign up to the course she is running for us in September. I’m so glad I made the effort to go to her talk.