Oak Leaf I is based on a leaf from the Sessile Oak, one of our native Irish oaks and a tree that feels woven into the landscape here. I picked the leaf on a walk and was drawn to the steady rhythm of its lobes and the quiet weight it carried in my hand. I traced its curves and central vein, then rebuilt the form in rich green thread, letting the stitch create a gentle rise and fall that echoes the strength of a healthy oak leaf.

The fine lines running through the piece catch the light in soft shifts, giving it a grounded presence. Even with its delicacy, the stitched form holds the sturdiness and sheltering quality that oak trees have when you stand beneath them. It feels like a small piece of woodland held still, complete with the sense of calm the tree carries through the seasons.

The work is framed in a white wood box frame with Artglass, which protects the detail and keeps the colours clean and true.