Interviews

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!

🔊

Listen or watch on your favourite platform:

Claire Wellesley-Smith - Friday Feature Artist

Host: Angela Truscott

Show Notes

The only thing I would say is… Make it meaningful for you. You know, that could be through the colours that you stitch with, it could be through the fabrics you choose to use but it doesn't have to be for anyone else. But you will understand why it’s important to you.
- Claire Wellesley-Smith

Takeaways from this episode

Community projects.
Claire focuses on long-term community textile art projects: Her work explores heritage, well-being, and social issues, especially in Bradford. How can art be used to connect communities and address social issues locally?
Mindful making.
"Slow stitch" and "resilient stitch" are key to her approach: These concepts emphasise mindful making, mending, and the healing aspects of textile art. How could "slow" practices benefit your well-being and connection to the world?
Historical influences.
Her work is inspired by West Yorkshire's textile industry history: She incorporates the region's industrial heritage into her projects. Reflection. How does the history of your region influence your creative work or interests?

Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the interview, we shared some images of Claire’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below.