Carers Insight. 2019. Magnolia leaf and thread, Wool and Hapa-zome printing (primroses, fennel, hydrangea, fern), Eco dyeing and rust printing, hand and machine stitching. Result of Arts Council England funded work.
My artistic practice is based in (but not limited to) the symbolic values of textiles. I’m very often motivated by explorations of identity and community and overcoming the contradictions that arise between the two. Much of my work is designed to provoke positive conversations and deepen social interactions. My work is also informed by health and well-being, the natural environment, and ideas of space and mapping.
Photos by Jim Wileman
My co-produced community works have exhibited extensively in varied locations including twice with FILIAart and twice at the International Festival of Quilts.
My individual works tend to be very personal and I chose to exhibit them in more limited ways. The Tree is Dying exhibited in Devon Open Studios in conjunction with Organic Arts at West Town Farm. Carers Insight was shown as part of the Care Trail in Craft of Caring Mid-Devon, a show which I also curated. Unfurling 2020 was installed in my garden greenhouse for a video exhibition shared online during the pandemic.
I have led a number of substantial artistic projects.
Catherine O'Brien West 