Breathing In Art is a new series by Fermynwoods Contemporary Art to support and promote mask wearing whilst celebrating and featuring selected artists. Whilst we’re amid a global pandemic and wearing masks to protect ourselves and others is part of everyday life, we’re inviting artists to design a range of masks that will be available to the public.
The next in this series comes from Sam P Gibson, an embroiderer for 45 years whose work is typographical, mixing painting and stitch to recreate snapshots of conversation or thoughts. Sam likes nothing more than turning a three-second joke into an arduous sewing task that takes months.

Initially I found wearing a mask for any length of time difficult as I had been ill with a series of chest infections and became breathless very quickly. Now, many months later, I find it regular, even comforting.
I also like that it covers my angry mouth.
It stops me shouting and raging at the world.
It helps me temper my trouble making tendencies.
This mask is a warning, a badge of honour and a safety device.
Sam P Gibson
To order this mask design for just £20 including P&P click on the product image below to order from our online store. (Please note you will receive a mask with the printed design above image and not an embroidered mask in order to maintain the integrity of the protective material.)
We are working with a sustainable supplier who make everything in the UK through ethical employment practices, with eco-friendly inks, FSC certified materials and water-free manufacturing. The masks are made to order, and any fabric waste is given free to creatives to repurpose instead of sending to landfill.
Look out for more Breathing in Art designs in the coming weeks.