METHODIST minister Louise Carr spent a decade working in the city of Bradford.

Originally from Northumberland, Bradford was Louise's second posting after she became a minister and went into the circuit in 1997.

Her ecclesiastical responsibilities, and as a Safeguarding Officer, meant she often had to deal with wide-ranging issues and at the end of the working day sewing became her sanctuary.

"I was kicked out of art in school because I was rubbish - you have to find your medium - I'm not good at drawing with a pencil but give me a needle and I can draw," says Louise, who has a background in cross stitch and embroidery.

"They were good to relax with and to use for prayer at the end of the day. I then thought about doing more, and exploring the theme of lament; what colour would it be, for instance, and I've worked on these ideas for a number of years.

In 2010 Louise embarked on creating the Stations of Lament in textiles.

Entitled 'Comfort' the piece consists of eight areas of work in varying sizes. Each station is worked in a different colours such as purple and grey - which Louise explains symbolise mourning and pain. Brighter colours, oranges, yellows and pinks, symbolise hope emerging.

"Stations of Lament is an opportunity to explore an ancient prayer form; to experience it with all your sense; and to be able to find places where you can pray. It will open you up to parts of God that you hadn't realised were there," she explains.

One of the pieces of the artwork depicts chaos and confusion - a common set of feelings. 'Weeping' talks about the stage where people weep and grieve.

Some of the fabrics Louise has selected for the Stations of Lament were sourced from an African fabric shop.

"The Lament is also in the slavery story. A lot of the slaves singing is Lament so using Africa fabrics seemed appropriate," says Louise, who also surface decorated some of the textiles herself and uses traditional English patchwork for the panels.

"One of the things I have learned in my ministry is sometimes we struggle with words and the colours and patterns enabled me to find the words," says Louise.

After completing the Stations of Lament in 2017, Louise initially showcased it at Cornerstone Methodist and URC in Great Horton.

Now Louise says she is looking forward to it being put on public display once again - at Bradford Cathedral where the installation is appearing in a new sensory exhibition for Lent 2019.

Says Louise: "I am really excited and I am really grateful to have the opportunity and for the support they (Bradford Cathedral) have given."

The main seven pieces will be located in the Cathedral's Artspace and an eighth, based around the Crucifixion will be displayed amongst the themed stained glass windows.

The exhibition runs until April 21. Visit bradfordcathedral.org.