Wirral Arts: British food classics preserved in to three-dimensional sculptures

Dec 12 2012 by Linda Foo Guest, Birkenhead News

FOOD glorious food! Well known British packaging has been preserved into a unique art form.

Popular favourites like baked beans, ketchup, crisps and chocolate have been recreated in to soft three-dimensional sculptures.

Talented textile artist Holly Levell is the creator of what she calls Supermarket Stitch. She came across the idea after graduating from Huddersfield University last year.

Holly from Neston said: “Since I was a child I always loved drawing and making things. I was encouraged to create and make mess from a very young age, so it was a natural progression to continue this.

“Supermarket Stitch came from exploring ideas of objects that feature in everyday activities.

“I wanted to take something that is overlooked and catapult it into the spotlight.

“I began to focus on the idea of shopping. I was stitching a flat bean can in my room and I wondered if it was possible to stitch it from textiles, completely softening the solid idea and producing a soft and nostalgic object.

“I have been continuing Supermarket Stitch and developing my range of soft sculptures from my mum’s kitchen table in Neston.”

The soft sculptures can be bought online and prices start at £30 for a packet and £70 for a can.

Holly added: “Originally I had no idea how to go about making my sculptures so it was a bit of trial and error, and it still is today!

“All of the objects have been taken apart and re-sewn together at least 10 times until I get a piece of flat fabric to look like you could pick up a can of coke and take a drink.

“I never thought about it until I began this work, but we all have sentimental memories and a certain fondness for the foods and products that surround us in our lives.

“A bottle of Heinz Tomato ketchup in the middle of our table at home has become as much a staple piece of furniture as the table and chairs we sit at.

“I’m making soft squidgy versions of our lives to hold onto.”