I am an experienced artist, art tutor and mother of two weaving life and art together through conscious interplay, mark making and exploration of the natural environment.
I produce large, ethereal, woven wall art and nature inspired outdoor sculptural installations for festivals and public spaces. The materials I use are recycled or naturally sourced and my work often celebrates the resilience of nature to overcome, when given the opportunity. Commissioned public art is a celebration of community commonality, and made in collaboration with diverse groups, drawing out the creativity of everyone involved. I find this an antidote to digital and media diatribe and try to imbue my work with that intuitive, first connection, and innocent honesty. Inviting others to participate and do the same. |
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Weaving. Materials. Process'My work often starts outdoors, immersed in the natural environment. I take photos, collect seeds, branches and mineral ores to incorporate into the work or draw inspiration from.
Then I lay out a plan and begin to weave or draw. I know my style is unusual as most weavers start from the bottom up, but I like to work as if I'm painting; dotting around the image as if it's a three- dimensional canvas. I create, move on, return and overlay. Eventually the work tightens and knits together, as I weave in form and harmony. I have my own stock of carefully selected recycled fibres and threads I may juxtapose with new, natural, biodegradable fibres and handmade beads I also produce. The whole process is about full immersion of the craft - nothing is computer generated. |
I knew I wanted to be an artist ever since I could hold a pencil. I'd spend ages observing the world around me and trying to capture and process what I'd seen. At 7 my mother took me to her homeland, Uruguay. For the first time my senses were fully enlivened by the rich farming heritage and vibrant culture there. My family lived on the coast. It seemed like I was related to everyone, and they were all artisans, like me. Everything that was farmed or fished was used and nothing was wasted. It felt honest and harmonious.
As I made my way through contemporary fine art with a degree in my twenties, worked the carnival scene in the UK and later studied for an MA in art therapy I realised that my first love, pure creation, was the only one that mattered. I turned full circle, back to the simple responses of a child in awe of their environment. I try to imbue my work with that intuitive first connection; sculpting and weaving my existence and spiritual journey in a world of increasing sensory deprivation. |
victoria culf |