Projects

As a weaver and devoted craft-based artist and educator, I find joy in incorporating fragments of time and history into my workshops. My teaching approach is centred on textile narration, emphasising the importance of tradition and craftsmanship. With my educational background and passion for community engagement, I strive to inspire others to find their own creative voice while appreciating the rich tapestry of our shared history. My ability to teach is of utmost importance to me. I consistently run workshops that allow me to share my expertise and pass on my knowledge to others. My teaching values are deeply rooted in history and traditions within craftsmanship and hand-weaving. I believe in nurturing creativity while honouring the heritage and skills passed down through generations.

Gathering Threads chronicles the experiences of participants involved in various workshops aimed at crafting textiles that reflect Blairgowrie’s rich heritage. What began as a handful of initial concepts in September 2018 rapidly evolved into an extensive community art initiative. Following a successful funding proposal in March 2019, four artists from diverse regions of Perthshire and Angus were brought together to design an array of public workshops. The fusion of stitching, printing, and poetry resulted in a dynamic portrayal of Blairgowrie’s history through aerial perspectives and images showcasing the town’s architecture alongside its berry fields.

During the summer of 2019, community members from Blairgowrie and the Glens united to engage creatively, chat over cups of tea, enjoy cake, and leave their artistic imprint — thus giving life to Gathering Threads. Every stitch infused vibrancy into the fabric, while each artist’s mark shimmered with creativity. Each workshop added another layer of history onto this canvas, enriching everyone’s experience with newfound inspiration.

The finished pieces came together to form a deeply impactful archive that narrated history through textiles; they were showcased at the library during the Hamish Henderson Centenary Festival in November 2019. One might wonder how Hamish Henderson connects with this artwork. Just as Hamish collected local lore and captured oral histories from Blairgowrie’s residents, this project also serves as a medium for participants’ histories and memories expressed through textile artistry.

Hamish Henderson Community Canvas (Gathering Threads) (2019-2020).

Participation in these projects varies; it includes overseeing the progression of weaving activities, introducing new looms into care facilities, or developing long-term collaborative crafting programmes involving both staff and residents. Sandra Thompson, who originally started this initiative, has allowed me to facilitate it further by coordinating with various care homes that require weaving equipment. Throughout this endeavour, I am accompanied by my full-time assistant, Lorraine Welsh.