Dawn Cripps
Artwork for Dawn Cripps
Details
How would you describe the work you do and why?
My botanical and insect sachets are a blend of machine and hand embroidery, stump work, painting onto the linen, where texture, colour and layers all come together. Each stitch is a chance to slow down, observe and translate what I see into something lasting. My hope with these sachets is to engage the senses by combining the visual and textural element with the calming scent lavender and camomile, roses or cloves.
For you what does being an artist mean?:
There’s so much we’re losing to habitat destruction and climate change. My work is my quiet protest, my homage to the natural world. I’ve stitched since I was a little girl, taught by my mother and grandmother, and it’s always been a place of calm for me. A way to be present. A kind of meditation, though I never called it that.
Describe what you call yourself/your practice?:
I see myself as a textile artist and through my work aim to celebrate the simple pleasure of a bee or a dandelion with embroidery .
Your practice & activities include e.g workshops, teaching:
I work from home, in a small room packed with linens and threads. It is my sanctuary.
CV & Education, relevant & leading to your artistic practice:
My degree is in environmental science and I taught geography in secondary schools and later in my career, pupils with additional needs.
I am self taught myself with my textile work and continually learning.
Exhibitions in the last 3 years:
I have exhibited at All Saints, Brockhampton Church with h.Art.
Your gallery outlets/stockists:
I am a member of The Hay Makers Gallery in Hay on Wye. We are a long established cooperative of six makers and our gallery is next to the Butter Market in Hay.