In our latest episode of our Textile Talk podcast we’re joined by textile artist, Alison Whateley whose intricate fabric creations bring coastal scenes to life. Known for her unique approach to stitching and layering, Alison’s work encapsulates the movement and colours of seascapes, capturing their essence in every thread. As the author of Textile Seascapes, Alison delves into her creative journey, discussing her artistic processes, the demands of publishing, and her plans for future work. This conversation offers listeners a deep dive into the life of an artist committed to both her craft and her community.
Textile Talk with Alison Whateley
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The Creative Process: Inspiration to Execution
Alison begins by sharing the inspiration behind her textile art and her love for capturing the beauty of seascapes. She details how each piece starts as a concept influenced by her surroundings and is then brought to life through layers of fabric, thread, and intricate stitching techniques. Listeners will learn how she combines colours and textures to capture natural movement, creating artwork that feels alive and dynamic. Alison also shares how she builds up each layer, carefully considering how each choice contributes to the final, cohesive piece.
Publishing Textile Seascapes: A Year-Long Endeavor
Alison’s book, Textile Seascapes, became a significant milestone in her career. She explains the challenges of working under a tight deadline and balancing this major project with her other artistic commitments. The journey took an entire year, during which Alison dedicated herself to both creating and documenting her work. She shares the unique learning curve of transitioning from creating art to writing about her processes, selecting images, and organizing her ideas for a wider audience. This section provides listeners with an inside look at the discipline and determination required to bring an artist’s vision into published form.
Photographing and Documenting Artwork: An Artist’s Toolkit
An often-overlooked aspect of Alison’s process is the documentation of her work. With the help of her husband, an avid photographer, and a professional collaborator, Alison captures each phase of her creations in high-quality images. She explains the importance of working with photographers who understand her vision, especially when creating images for book publication. Alison also shares her experience of navigating the complexities of documenting each step for instructional purposes, emphasizing the difference between showing a process in person and trying to capture it in a photograph. This theme offers practical insights into the technical aspects of creating an art book.
Educating Through Art: Workshops and Demonstrations
A passionate educator, Alison discusses her love for teaching and how she connects with students through her workshops. She explains her approach to live demonstrations, where she not only shows techniques but creates new artwork alongside her students. Alison’s teaching philosophy centres on hands-on learning, giving workshop participants a first-hand look at her creative process. She also shares her challenges in balancing her own artistic development with her teaching commitments. This segment is especially insightful for listeners interested in the educational aspect of textile art.
Future Plans: Mixed Media and Expanding Her Reach
As Alison looks to the future, she shares her excitement about expanding her work by integrating more mixed media into her textiles. She’s also preparing for a series of upcoming art fairs and exhibitions, where she plans to showcase new pieces. Alison gives listeners a preview of her evolving style and the new directions her art is taking, including a blend of traditional textile methods with modern materials. She is also launching new workshops for 2025, bringing innovative techniques and ideas to her students.
Exhibiting at Art Fairs: Bringing Textile Art to New Audiences
Alison is no stranger to exhibitions and art fairs, and she describes her experiences with Craft In Focus and other prestigious shows. She discusses the unique atmosphere of these events, where visitors can see her work up close and ask questions about her techniques. Alison also shares her approach to selecting pieces for shows, including originals, prints, and sometimes greeting cards. At some fairs, she even demonstrates her techniques, allowing visitors to see her work in progress. This section will intrigue listeners curious about the world of textile art exhibitions.
This episode is filled with Alison’s stories and expert insights, providing a rare glimpse into the life of a textile artist, author, and teacher. Through her passion and dedication, Alison inspires listeners to see the beauty and challenges of textile art, from creation to publication. For anyone interested in textile techniques, the artistic process, or the journey of bringing art to a broader audience, this conversation with Alison Whateley promises to be both enlightening and motivating.
Follow Alison Whateley
Website: https://alisonwhateleydesign.co.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Alisonwhateleydesign
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alison_whateley_design
