Tactile perceptions of craft
- Laura is a textile and wood sculpting artist, inspired by natural landscapes and textures
- Her creations often provide a multi-sensory experience
- Collecting wood and fabric scraps is key to her material sourcing
Laura Blake is a multimedia artist who likes to work with recycled wood and textiles. She has a master of fine arts in textile body space from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden. "In my journey towards my craft practice, I was greatly influenced by my mother who was a self-taught seamstress. She used to make clothes for the whole family," she explains. Laura approaches choosing her materials with great respect for the nature that surrounds her. Her studio is based near many papermakers and wood furniture makers, and Laura collects unwanted cotton and wood. "I dye my own textiles and make a priority not to use chemicals in this process," says Laura. She worked in collaboration with woodworker Álvaro Aramburu for several projects, finding great inspiration in how different crafts collide.
Interview
- What was the first object you made?
- The one I remember vividly was a painting of myself in a skirt, wearing cowboy boots. It featured relief in different colours made of different kinds of textiles. That was the moment I truly felt that textiles were going to be my craft.
- How does your creative process unfold?
- I get inspiration from the elements of water and wood, and I translate what I see and feel into the materials I use. Most of the time my work is composed of natural wood like birch and textiles like dyed cotton. I dye cotton myself to make sure that it is carried out in a safe way for the beautiful nature that surrounds me.
- Do you collaborate with other artists?
- Yes, one of my latest collaborations was with woodworker Álvaro Aramburu from whom I learned a great deal, including how to stage scenes using a variety of materials such as mirror, metal and brushes.
- Do you aim to convey a message through your work?
- I want people to experience my work in their own way. Much of my work comes from the natural world, and I love that people frequently mention wings, feathers or fauna when they see my pieces. There is a tactile and sound element to many of my pieces, which means people can experience the work through their bodies, not just their eyes.
Laura Blake is a rising star: she began her career in 2018
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