Psychedelic Cross Stitch

You may have heard of Welsh artist Peter Fowler, famous for his psychedelic album art for band Super Fury Animals. Well he is branching out into the craft scene with cross stitch. This is a concept I love, giving the traditional crafts a dose of modern mayhem. The title of the exhibition is perfect with that music connection 'The Needle and the Damage Done'. Showing from August the first to September the first, at Beach, London. 

If you think about it cross stitch is a medium full of possibility. The geometric grid allows an element of structure but also the variety of coloured threads provide many psychedelic possibilities.

Van AudiOrlax (2012, vinyl toy with electronics and synthesisers)

Fowler is also known for his World of Monsterism, toys based on his cartoon characters. And his artwork has been used in music videos for The Super Fury Animals, The Horrors and Clinic. 

His album for the SFA in 2005 involved making models, a reminder, Fowler said, of his railway modelling days.

Mullion Cave (36 cm x 26 cm acrylic on watercolour paper)

Storm (2012, ink and watercolour on paper)

There is a Cornwall connection too, Fowler went to Falmouth to study Fine Art, and says he is influenced by the raging sea and rugged coastline. 

Storm Chaser (acrylic on canvas)

Fowler says "Everything I do is drawn in pencil or pen, whether it is for a digital illustration, a painting, a toy or whatever the project. I always think I’m only as good as my last drawing and that keeps me pushing the boat out to develop my work further." 

The Owls (Watercolour and pencil on paper)

So what can we look forward to in this new crafty twist. Well according to Beach, we can expect "Landscapes, UFO’s, Sailors, Roadies, Synths and Owls". And we can pretty much guarantee all were created with the influence of some cosmic music.

Check out Beach's website and a great article from Sabotage Times for more on Peter Fowler.