Our OLT family is all inclusive, comprising actors, directors and volunteers, both behind and in front of the curtain, and many others including of course our season subscribers. That is why we are very pleased to showcase the work of one of our subscribers (since 1998) Mike Parr.
After a 30-year career as a Registered Practical Nurse with the Ottawa General and Riverside Hospitals, Mike has retired and is now focused on a new career: Mike Parr Embroidery Designs, teaching historic techniques in hand embroidery at National Seminars and Needlework Guilds in various cities. Over the last two years the list of cities where he has been engaged to teach include Charlottetown, Toronto, Victoria, Guelph, Salt Lake City, Baltimore, and St Louis. Each seminar lasts up to a week, and participants learn everything they need to recreate his designs from beginning to end.
Crewel Embroidery is one technique he regularly teaches. Dating back to the 17th century, it was originally done with wool thread on a linen twill fabric to make large items such as Jacobean bed hangings and other furnishings.
Some pieces in Mike’s exhibit are examples of his own original designs which were made to teach his students. There are also other designs from another teacher which Mike has completed following their directions. One of Mike’s original designs is the purse. This piece, inspired by the geometric patterns found in Klimt paintings, was originally created as a gift for a former manager at the hospital where he worked. It evolved into such a beautiful purse that he now uses it as a teaching tool in what has become one of his most requested classes.
Most of the pieces are not for sale but are on display to showcase his talents and the art itself, and as publicity for his classes. His aim is to foster awareness of the fine art of embroidery and to keep that art alive for future generations. One of his favourite pieces is the prominently displayed
Spanish sampler. This was something he had worked on while caring for his dying father at home. All the memories and experiences of that period have permeated the finished work. That same sample has inspired Mike to visit Spain for his next vacation to celebrate his retirement and the start of a new career.
When asked about any famous individuals who participated in the craft, Mary Martin came to mind. Not only did she do needlepoint but published books on the subject. This provides a very nice tie-in with theatre as she was a prominent actress on stage, in film and on television.
Mike’s works have been showcased on the cover of Embroidery Canada Magazine. If you would like further information on the artist and to purchase some of his work, Mike can be contacted at parrembroidery@gmail.com and further information is available on his website at www.mikeparrembroidery.ca
Mike states that he loves everything that he has seen at the OLT and hopes that the theatre will be around for a very long time to come. We could not agree more!
-Albert
Mike Parr Embroidery Designs
website: www.mikeparrembroidery.ca
email: parrembroidery@gmail.com