TEXTILE TALES: Nundle artist Natasha Soonchild is working on a new series of soft sculptures crafted from recycled fabrics (photo: supplied)
A NUNDLE-BASED artist has dusted off a collection of discarded fabrics to transform into new works during the COVID-19 closure of arts venues, in an ‘at-home’ residency supported by a micro grant from Arts North West.
Natasha Soonchild lives and practices her art from Stormcrow Studio. From there she’s been exploring and developing three-dimensional works using materials and techniques unfamiliar to her.
“I am also researching and developing an at-home sewing kit utilising recycled textiles,” she told Arts North West.
“I have found it to be quite challenging working in a new medium!
“Over many years I have collected discarded textiles with the aim of creating soft-sculptures, so I do not lack the raw materials. It is the nature of those materials and how to manipulate them that I am having to learn about.
“There have been lots of experiments and trial-and-error.” Natasha Soonchild
According to Natasha the learning process has involved online courses in raised embroidery, and textile toy design and pattern creation.
“This is the first time I have used an online platform for learning,” she said.
“I am gaining a wealth of knowledge in the specific skills and also developing an understanding of online learning, skills building and sharing resources.
“It has been great research for the at-home sewing kit I am developing as part of this project.”
Visual inspiration
While undertaking her project, Natasha – a sculptor, designer, painter, printmaker and recycler – has been researching a selection of traditional English and Scottish ballads collected by American folklorist Francis James Child, referred to as the ‘Child Ballads’.
“I have always been fascinated by folk tales and wanted to frame my project through the lens of the characters, creatures and themes that feature in these ballads,” she said.
“This research has also led me to reach back into my own memory of folk tales I read as a child which were inhabited with witches, selkies and changelings, and has proven to be a wealth of visual inspiration.
“I am looking forward to sharing my depictions of these stories through soft sculptural forms.”
The results of Natasha’s project will be presented on her social media accounts (instagram: @stormcrow_studio / facebook: @stormcrowstudionundle). She will also post an online portfolio of the project on her website: www.stormcrowstudio.com along with the at-home sewing kit for sale.
