Fancywork emerged from engagement with the physical location of Atelier Hair Co, the residency site. The title was taken from the term used in relation to both Victorian hairwork and decorative needlework. This term came into use in the late 18th century, when the process of making fabric was industrialised and the home sewing machine became affordable for average households. More women were freed from “plain sewing” for daily household needs and pursued more creative projects called “fancywork.”

What began as an exploration of hair’s conceptual and historical influence, transformed into a direct reflection of the space and its elements. Instead of focusing on hair’s influence and sentimental devices throughout history, Gaumond decided to magnify the overlooked everyday apparatus in the salon. These elements include its ornamental decoration style, the structure of the building, the codes used to denote specific colour mixtures, and the books that house these.

The works are a spotlight on the beautifully ordinary tools that connect us as humans and create potentially transformative experiences, such as getting one’s hair done. They offer a counterpoint to the optimisation culture, a societal trend that values efficiency and functionality above all else, where everything deemed ‘extra’ serves no purpose and must be purged. The artist suggests that perhaps the ornamentation of our every day ultimately makes it worthwhile.

Stephanie would like to thank Ronan Stewart, Leonie Sheehan, Sofie Thompson and all the staff at Atelier for warmly welcoming her into their space. She’d also like to thank Stephen Stewart and Todd Gfeller for their technical support and Paola Bernardelli, who is integral to every element of this happening.

This residency and exhibition have been researched and produced in the context of HEARTLANDS, the new Art Arcadia programme of residencies developed in collaboration with local businesses and organisations. Artists, businesses, and organisations interested in taking part please email for additional information: paola@artarcadia.org

Artist bio:

Stephanie Gaumond is a printmaker based in Derry, Northern Ireland. Her practice investigates coded communication and pattern making through multiple printmaking mediums. She explores visual methods of information sharing, how they have come to exist, and how we use them to connect. Raised in Denver, Colorado she received her BA in Fine Art from the University of Denver and her MA in Printmaking from the Glasgow School of Art. She is a member of the Derry Print Workshop.