Katy Cocklin

My work as a textile artist involves a variety of textile disciplines which I often combine. I create handmade natural fibre 'papers' into which I incorporate both fresh and dried flower petals, leaves, ‘waste’ threads from sewing and any thing else that I think might work within a piece. These can be cut, stitched upon, sewn to make cards and pieces of artwork, and embellished using free motion embroidery techniques and hand stitching. More recently my work has included print-based elements and a journey into using cyanotype and natural dyeing techniques on a variety of fabrics. I also enjoy creating original wall hangings, basing my practice on the work of Kantha stitched quilt pieces, using a variety of fabrics and textiles including my handmade fibre papers and printed fabrics - layering and joining with a free flowing running Kantha stitch, working organically as a piece evolves to produce a textile panel. I usually hang these on found wooden branches and twigs.

Sewing and creating something with my hands is therapeutic and immersive - I'm fascinated by the fibres and fabric itself and particularly with the stories each fabric holds - the origins of textile making, the use of plant based fibres particularly and the journey that any piece of fabric has attached to it. Connecting with and using nature and natural elements within my work is important and I want each piece to tell it's own story and for people to form their own connections with my work - colour, composition, the story within the fabrics and the journey.