Info
What craft do you work with?
I am a graphic designer and artist. I use weaving techniques, steel pins, silk thread, driftwood and wooden panels, to create colourful geometric designs.
What is your background?
My work stems from years of world travel, an opportunity to spend a great deal of time with local artisans; igniting a passion for beautiful woven textiles and bold contemporary styles, as well as spiritual practices favoured by the people of Asia and South America.
Following a degree in Illustration from UWTSD in 2003; my creative career has taken the form of freelance graphic design, and more recently, the inclusion of artistic endeavours, undertaking commissions all over the world. My work has been exhibited internationally, both in Wales, and the USA.
What is the inspiration for your practice?
Traveling and experiencing different cultures has been a rich source of inspiration for my creativity. I love to create richly layered, woven symbolic pieces, utilising elements of sacred geometry, often taking the form of powerful energetic mandala pieces on wood.
I love to create richly layered, woven symbolic pieces, utilise elements of sacred geometry, often taking the form of powerful energetic mandala pieces on wood, with thousands of pins, precious stones and Welsh sea glass; or reclaimed wooden sculptures and colourful abstracts with woven embellishments. Their depth, beauty and symmetry, drawing the eye within them, to evoke harmony and awaken the soul.
What do you enjoy about the making process?
Making allows me to carve some time out of my busy life, to wind down and get lost in creative calm! Using dozens of steel pins; colourful layers of thread are wound and woven, through intricate designs. The repetition of weaving the symmetrical patterns of thread, can put you in quite a relaxed state of mind! The process itself, where your mind calms as you focus on the flow of your piece, is just as important as the creation of it.
Find out more about my practice and design solutions here:
Instagram: @catherinehiles_artist