I am currently exhibiting with the 62 Group of Textile Artists at Salts Mill in the World Heritage site of Saltaire, Bradford.
The roof-space at Salts Mill is vast, providing me with an opportunity to share a larger number of tapestries than is usual for a group show.
My work is situated at the back of the roof-space and is split into three sections. The first focusses on my site-responsive work from 2017-2022 (titled Retrospective Works) and exemplifies how ‘making as learning’ is inherent within my practice. The three tapestries function as signposts marking key thematic shifts within this five-year period. The two smaller works show how the work evolved from paper to the introduction of cast resin, highlighting a shift to linking materials to the site. Significantly, the works underwent iterative transformations, with completed pieces being revisited and reworked months, and then years later, as ideas evolved and ultimately found resolution in the larger piece.
The second selection of work builds on the foundation laid in Retrospective Works. I use a site-specific lens and a focus on material memory to guide my exploration in the ‘making as learning’ brief. The resulting work embraced imperfections, allowing them to inform subsequent pieces.
The third selection reflects on the previous two and I present six material studies as a way of processing active learning, discovery and reflective practice that has taken place over the last 12 months. Further reflection is recorded in a sketchbook which is located in the handling area of the exhibition.
Jane Walkley 