Laura Holden Artists and Makers of Frome
make a whole. I use some hand stitch in all the things I make as I think it gives something human to them; they are all very slightly wonky and very much themselves.
W
e talk to textile artist and manager of The Why Gallery, Laura Holden, about her love of nostalgic textiles, working whilst the the kids sleep and taking inspiration from the work of vintage illustrators. What is your artistic background? My background is in Fine Art, although textiles have always been a large part of my artistic practice. I used to make big installations using thread and plants or trees to make big spidery organic sculptures. I had a great time in my twenties, exhibiting and travelling to take part in artists’ residencies, but I found I needed a more regular income. I then went into costume and prop making for theatre and exhibitions, and running workshops with schools. When my children were small, I began sewing animals and fruit-shaped cushions while they were sleeping, as a way to keep my creative side alive and busy, and that has evolved into my current practice as it is today. What made you follow this path? I’ve always loved sewing, I like the mindful way you can be stitching away and chat or listen to music at the same time. I think there’s a bit of magic in the small binding actions of stitches accumulating to
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TH ELI S TFR O M E
A r tist and Makers of Frome
What is your physical creative process? What materials and techniques do you use? I work with cotton velvet, wool felt and corduroy mostly, as they are natural fabrics and have a warm, nostalgic feel to them. When making a piece, I start by drawing around the template of my design on to the fabric, then pinning and cutting the pattern. I use my old Singer sewing machine to stitch the main body, turn it out, stuff (firmly) and stitch closed the opening. Then I add the detail, eyes, leaves or what have you by hand; this bit I usually do in the evening on the sofa. What inspires your work? I find vintage illustrations from the 50s-80s mostly, artists like Brian Wildsmith, John Vernon Lord and Judith Kerr, very inspiring. I really enjoy reading folklore and old fairy tales, I love animal symbolism and superstitions. I try and convey some of that sense of nostalgia and magic in the things I make.
