The End of a Quiet January :)

Author

Grace Richardson
January 27, 2025

Hi everyone!

It’s been a quiet couple of weeks, filled with small but satisfying tasks to get everything in order! Between work and life, I’ve managed to squeeze in some inspiring gallery visits while slowwwly setting up my studio.

Website Update:
My website is currently in the works—more on that soon! For now, though, it’s still full of placeholder images of BBQ (don’t ask), so it’s not quite ready for public eyes. But progress is happening, and I’m excited to share it with you!

What I’m Making:

Honestly? Not much... except a lot of organizing! It’s been a big task wrangling beads, threads, and fabric scraps. I’m astonished at how much I had tucked into every nook and cranny of my bedroom.

Absolute chaos - but I have a vision!

The good news? My studio is nearly set up, and I’m already brainstorming my first project in the new space. Stay tuned :)

What I’m Doing:

Bound: An Embroiderers Story

I wanted to share some incredible embroidery art I’ve recently seen! The Bound Collective show was incredible, showcasing work from 15 embroidery artists, each with a distinct style.

What made it special was the absence of a strict brief—this allowed artists to explore personal themes such as grief, heritage, and love. The results were innovative and deeply moving. It’s always so inspiring to see embroidery celebrated as a versatile, storytelling medium.

Towering Strife by Rebecca Offredi - featuring goldwork and tambour embroidery

Sculpture piece by Emilie Mason (cannot remember/find the name - so sorry!) full of amazing embroidery using a variety of fabrics and techniques. This one may be my fav!

What I’m Loving:

Rainy day museum wanders

On a rainy afternoon last week, I found myself wandering the Tate Modern. While I love all types of art (not just textiles, I swear!), I couldn’t resist making it a game to hunt for textile-based works in the free displays.

View of Open Wound when you enter the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern

Right at the entrance, I was met with Mire Lee’s “Open Wound” in the Turbine Hall. Here’s how Tate describes it:

“Drawing inspiration from Tate Modern's history as a power station, Mire Lee transforms the Turbine Hall with striking hanging sculptures and epic mechanical installations, reimagining the space as a living factory. A fascinating mix of materials such as silicone and chains bring her creations to life and challenge our ideas of what is beautiful, perverse, provocative and desirable. Open Wound invites us to revel in contradictory emotions: from awe and disgust to compassion, fear and love.”

Closer look at the fabric sculptures - love the way the decaying process has changed the fabric

Moving through the galleries, I came across Mari Katayama’s stunning photography series and sculptures. Her work blends her body, surrounding materials, and embroidery into mesmerizing “living sculptures.”

Bystander #23 by Mari Katayama

Katayama’s reflection on her work stuck with me:

‘I make objects with a needle and thread because I believe they are the most powerful mediums. Compared to plaster, wood or metal, they are light, easy to handle and accessible to everyone.’

Katayama’s physical embroidered sculpture

Honourable mentions:

January always feels like the longest month, but I’m leaning into its slower pace. To me, this month is about transition—a time to focus on yourself and set the tone for the year ahead. Sometimes I feel frustrated by the slow pace - so many things to achieve this year, and I need to make them happen ASAP! But I try to remember that things take a lot of baby steps, and to enjoy the in-between.

Thanks for being here and sharing this space with me. Until next time, take care of yourselves!

Until next time, 

Grace

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