Each week, we sit down with some of the world’s most talented and successful artists and share the stories that have influenced their creative journeys. From th...
From the archives: Antidotes to fast fashion with Claire Wellesley-Smith
Claire Wellesley-Smith isn't just an artist; she's a weaver of communities. Her long-term, community-based projects are deeply rooted in the rich textile history of her surroundings, with a special focus on wool and cotton. We'll explore her acclaimed books, 'Slow Stitch' and 'Resilient Stitch,' and discover how her work champions sustainability, mental health, and local heritage. Get ready to hear about Claire's daily stitching practice, the challenges of fast fashion, and the therapeutic power of textiles that connect us to history, environment, and each other. This is an episode you won't want to miss!Click here to explore our courses, or dive into more articles and interviews.
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1:05:49
Stitching every day with Amanda Nadig
Think quilting is all about perfection and precision? Think again. In this episode, we meet Amanda Nadig, a Chicago-based artist, whose quilts are stitched from stories hiding in secondhand fabric. Inspired by parenting and teaching high school art, Amanda has developed a textile practice as life happens around her. If you’ve ever felt pulled toward fabric, or want permission to find flow in the fabric of everyday life, this conversation is for you. And just a warning - if you’re not already a quilter, watch out - we may well tempt you!Take a look at some of Amanda's work on our website, explore our courses, or dive into more articles and interviews.
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The secret life of fabric with Hannah Gartside
What happens to the dresses we once danced in, the gloves that warmed us during cold winters, and the fabrics that held our stories? In sculptor and installation artist Hannah Gartside’s hands, these fabrics don’t fade – they’re reborn. A former costume designer turned textile sculptor, Hannah reshapes worn and discarded fabrics into sculptures that dance with movement and emotion. For anyone drawn to the poetry of textiles, the energy of movement, and the way materials can hold both past and possibility, this episode’s for you. Visit our website to view Hannah’s work, explore our courses, or dive into more articles and interviews.
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Making the repurposed remarkable with Swapna Namboodiri
Can art save the planet? This week, we catch up with Swapna Namboodiri to hear how she repurposes everyday waste into striking, sustainable artworks. With an eye for the overlooked, Swapna challenges us to see beauty and potential in what’s been cast aside. If you’ve ever wondered how creativity can inspire change, this episode is for you.Visit our website to view Swapna’s work, explore our courses, or dive into more articles and interviews.
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1:05:36
Sewing stories with Sara Impey
Have you ever read a quilt? This week, we sit down with Sara Impey to chat about the intersection of text and textile. From exploring the subtleties of everyday language to weaving narratives with thread, Sara’s quilts challenge us to read between the lines - literally. If you’ve ever wondered how art can make you think, feel, and read all at once, this episode is for you. Visit our website to view Sara’s work, explore our courses, or dive into more articles and interviews.
Each week, we sit down with some of the world’s most talented and successful artists and share the stories that have influenced their creative journeys. From their earliest experiments to their most impactful works, you’ll discover the processes and philosophies that have shaped their art. Whether you’re a practicing artist, a craft enthusiast, or simply captivated by the beauty of mixed media art, we invite you to join us on this exclusive peek inside the world of our amazing feature artists. Tune in to inspire your imagination, connect with our global artist community, and enjoy some fabulous art banter.
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