Artist Statement

As a contemporary female artist, I seek to integrate the art of embroidery into fine art.

Whether through hand embroidery or my self-originated medium of ‘Retex Sculpture’, the subjects of social injustice, period poverty, gender inequality, the rise of identity politics and self-actualisation commingle with textile waste culture and creative up-cycling solutions as my paramount themes.

Being entirely self-taught has endowed the freedom to establish my own voice and unique approach towards the age-old medium of embroidery, which continues to be undervalued and dismissed as merely craft.

For my own medium of Retex Sculpture, old garments serve as the fabric of the works and cushion filler helps create depth, raising the silhouette off the canvas in relief.

Whatever the context, bygone or contemporary, breaking and re-shaping preconceived ideas around textile art is integral to my work.

Jess de Wahls