Maker's bio

Hello I am a Scottish textile artist based in Manchester. I use woven textiles in my work, but have been practicing as an artist for over 23 years, as well as teaching adults in group workshops, Higher and Further Education and Adult Education. I love sharing creative skills with people and seeing the enjoyment, therapeutic and confidence it brings to people. I use heritage weaving techniques to create tactile, evocative and joyful sculptures, exploring celebration, grief and ritual. I have trained extensively in hand loom weaving, basketry, rush weaving & passementerie through courses and self directed learning. My work highlights the tactual, sensorial and metaphorical qualities of weaving and I see it as a universal sculptural language. Its properties are familiar and accessible due to everyday usage in interiors, dress and functional objects. In my own work, I use locally sourced sustainable materials such as discarded industrial yarn from Northern mills and businesses in combination with plant life such as grasses, willow, flora and seaweed which provide a connection to place and sense of belonging. You can see more of my own weaving and textile sculpture on my website www.jennysteele.co.uk