Progression: A Gathered Threads Exhibition

‘Progression’ grew out of both our previous exhibition, ‘Common Ground’, and our disparate textile practices. We started off by playing with materials adding threads to small, unfired clay pots. We used these as inspiration for further work, but each time, using a different person’s work as the starting point. This sharing of ideas via small projects over seven months has allowed us all time to appreciate each other’s work, fitting each item around other priorities. At the same time as this core collection of work was being created, our own practices have continued to evolve. Course assignments, artist networking, exhibition briefs and life events have contributed to our progression; our sharing of work has in turn fed back as concepts, technical advancement, emotional outlet, and the enjoyment of what we do.

About Gathered Threads: We are a group of six textile artists who met at Bradford School of Art whilst studying for an HNC in Contemporary Constructed Textiles (also known as ‘The Bradford Course’). We fit our textile practices around other commitments: working, studying, volunteering, and caring for relatives. We also work separately – between us we exhibit with other art organisations, run various workshops, and participate in arts markets across the region. Despite diversifying so much, we still learn and draw inspiration from each other; admiring work, supporting challenges, encouraging technical and artistic flourishing.