Page 132 - VOL 8

Daphne O’Connell

Daphne O'Connell is a textile artist based in Oxfordshire. Daphne has always been fascinated by Portraiture
and the relationship between the artist and their subject. Working in a variety of different media, Daphne loves
to experiment and explore different ways to convey something of the character of the subject and what makes
them unique. There is a real power in Portraiture. A portrait confronts the viewer. You cannot escape the
subject's look or gaze as it stares back at you from the canvas.
In the last eight years, Daphne discovered a real passion for textiles and in particular, hand embroidery. She
has experimented with hand embroidery and produced several stitched portraits, two of which she has
included in her submission for The Power of the Portrait. Daphne is completely self-taught in hand embroidery.
Daphne draws inspiration from artists such as Van Gogh, and David Hockney. Picasso, Rembrandt, and
Cezanne as well as textile artists such as Sol Kesseler and Cayce Zavaglia, to name but a few. Since she was
a very young girl, Daphne has always enjoyed the creative process; of drawing, painting, and making. Daphne
is passionate about the Arts. Now in her 60s, nothing has changed, Daphne is at her happiest when she is in
her studio working on or planning the next project. In her spare time, Daphne loves to go to galleries and
exhibitions. Seeing work by other artists is always inspiring and educational. Daphne also enjoys talking with
fellow artists about their work, what inspires them, how they approach their subject matter, and the materials
they choose to work with. These conversations can often offer significant insight into one's own practice.

132 The Wedding - Hand stitched with fabric 27x27cm, 2023