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Azarel dedicates cross stitch exhibition to late grandma Angela |02 October 2014



Former National Assembly Clerk Azarel Ernesta has shown off her skills in cross stitching through an exhibition in the grounds of Kenwyn House.

Present for the opening ceremony last week of the exhibition were Designated Minister Vincent Meriton, Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly David Pierre, Leader of Government Business Marie Antoinette Rose, Small Enterprise Promotion Agency (Senpa) chief executive Penny Belmont, the Ambassador for Women and Children’s Affairs Dr Erna Athanasius, members of the National Assembly, the exhibitor’s relatives, Kenwyn House officials and other guest.

Azarel has thanked her late grandmother Angela Belmont for teaching her the art of handling the needle and thread and for teaching her to be patient, passionate and dedicated in her cross stitch projects.

“I was inspired to do cross stitch by my grandmother. Even if she is not here today the thousands of stitches found in these pieces are testimony of a woman who has been a very large part of my life,” said Azarel.

This is her first exhibition and she was encouraged to mount it by her family members – her mum and aunties – whenever they saw her doing cross stitches.

“As I had sewed so many cross stitched items they believed I should show people that cross stitch can be done in more appealing and attractive ways. So I decided to present my products in an exhibition.

 “My grandmother was a very good seamstress. It was she who showed me how to use the needles and thread. So the inspiration comes from her. As I was always interested in needle work especially cross stitch, I started creating different items. The minute I see a new design I decide to turn it into a cross stitch product,” said Azarel who also made special mention of her aunty Penny Belmont for standing beside her all the way to realise the exhibition.

She has also cross stitched a photo of her cousin which she has described as her biggest challenge. Her cousin was also there at the exhibition and took some photos next to her cross stitched picture.

Azarel has said the next step is to cross stitch photos of her country. “As my country is so beautiful I intend to cross stitch its photos. We always see the beauty of Seychelles portrayed in paintings or photos, now I will have them in cross stitches,” she said.



“Long ago during our mothers’ or grandmothers’ era, if a lady did not know how to cross stitch, she would not be asked in marriage,” said Designated Minister Vincent Meriton as he pointed out that cross stitch is an old art that has been practiced by our parents and grandparents.

He said Seychellois come from three great continents from which we have inherited a rich and diversified culture – cross stitching being one of them. It was practiced in all households not only for its beauty but it also provided an occupation of which otherwise the person would have been idle. He also said cross stitch at that time brought an income to the household.

He thanked Azarel for giving a new impetus to this form of art and allowing it to be appreciated by one and all.
The minister also thanked Kenwyn House for hosting the exhibition.

Speaking not only in her capacity as Senpa chief executive but also as Azarel’s aunty, Ms Belmont expressed her thanks and appreciation to Kenwyn House and Jouel for providing the venue for the exhibition.

She also thanked Azarel for her work which despite being a private collection she has released them to be exhibited.
Meanwhile, Kenwyn House is welcoming artists to hold exhibitions at its Francis Rachel venue next year on a rotation basis.

 

 

 

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