I am a textile artist and quilter and I live on the The Lizard Peninsula in Cornwall with my family. Living by the sea means I am constantly inspired by my surroundings, particularly by my local beaches and coves which are always changing. I love the different colours and textures of the rocks and how everytime I go to a beach there is always interesting objects washed up.
The earliest memory I have of doing textiles is at Primary School where we were taught how to make cross-stitched christmas cards and woven wall hangings. My passion for textiles started in 2010 when I had to make an appliqued cushion at Secondary School. That same year I got my first sewing machine which I quickly got to grips with so got busy making loads of cushions! Since then I have taught myself other techniques including patchwork and quilting which is now my passion. I am also passionate about the environment so I always try to use recycled materials in my work which I buy from charity shops including old bed sheets, pillowcases and clothes as you can get lots more material for much cheaper. As well as recycling fabrics I also recycle plastic bags by melting and fusing them before stitching them into something new or I will just re use them as they are. In June 2019 I finished a degree in Art and Design Practise at Cornwall College graduating with a 2:1 in that autumn. As part of my degree I also won the Graduate Studio Residency Award along side my friend Rose. This allowed us to have our own art studios free for a year at Krowji in Redruth, Cornwall where we continued with our practises and met other artists and makers and were able to take part in two open studio days where we sold some of our work. Once my time in the graduate space ended I chose to stay on at Krowji and I moved into my own little studio. In my new studio I worked on many projects including cushions, face masks and quilts including an autumn lap quilt. After six months in my new studio I decided to leave Krowji due to covid-19 not allowing me to spend enough time there. I will now continue with my textiles at home. |
©Ben Harris 2019