Almha McCartan

Almha McCartan (pronounced Al-vah) is an artist, maker and facilitator from Ireland based in London. She graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2021 with an MA in Textiles. Through an expressive use of colour, pattern and intuitive experimentation with materials, Almha's work uses traditional craft processes in a contemporary and innovative way.She works from her studio at Craft Central in East London, which she was awarded through their Graduate Support Programme in 2022.

Q&A

Artist Statement

Inspired by the dichotomy of past and present, Almha’s work is informed by traditional craft processes which are expanded into a contemporary sphere through expressive use of colour, pattern and intuitive experimentation with materials.Almha’s work looks at the symbolic and emotive qualities of textiles and craft and how they connect us to heritage, relationships and our environment. Her work consists of wall-hangings, quilts and objects using repetitive hand-painted motifs and patterns in contrast with minimalist blocks of colour. Visually, Almha is inspired by abstract expressionism, traditional quilting, rural Irish landscape, domestic textiles and urban construction. The work seeks to invoke an emotive an intuitive response, exploring the process of finding balance within opposition. Almha is committed to sustainability and craft in her practice as an artist and maker. The materials in this exhibition are Irish or European Linen and secondhand fabric. Each piece is carefully crafted by her in her studio – she prints, stitches and constructs every piece with delicate skill and care. The pieces are meant to be enjoyed at home or experienced in a gallery space.

 

Media & Contact

Representation

Freelancing

 

Contact

Email: hello@almha.studio

 

References

Website: http://www.almha.studio

Instagram: almha__mc

 

Photography credit

Photographs by Ben Easy / Craft Central

Location

United Kingdom