Janine Hadley

I am a multidisciplinary artist exploring traditional techniques using innovative materials to examine contemporary dialogues.

Q&A

Artist Statement

I am a recent graduate Master of Arts Degree, MA- Contemporary Dialogues specialising in Textiles at the University of Wales Trinity St David, Swansea College of Art, Wales. The research and praxis culminated in an exhibition of work enfolding material, making and thinking using traditional techniques of stitch, bend, fold, twist, felt and gather amongst others. Through the innovative use of less conventional materials, the work was embedded in materiality, layering language meaning and affect, to explore the unfolding landscape of posthumanism and animal studies. In essence, my work is an exploration of traditional craft techniques and the aesthetic, emotive ‘language’ generated through the use of familiar materials in order to create dialogue between the object and the viewer.

What craft do you work with?

I am a multidisciplinary artist and have worked with ceramics, metal and wire, jewellery and textiles. My mother was a very creative person and a home-maker so I grew up watching her knit, crochet, sew and decorate the house in many unconventional ways. I was interested in making from a very young age.
With no affiliation to one material or technique, my interest lies in creating narrative and dialogue through the use of materiality and scale.

What inspires you to work with this craft?

The tactility of making something by hand and using evocative materials such as textiles and traditional techniques, with a twist, gives opportunity for the materials to act as agents and prompt engagement with the maker, object and viewer. You can look at an object and relate to it culturally and aesthetically or even on a deeper, emotive level. The pliability, variety and wide scope of textiles has much to offer the visual artist.

How do you start your creative process?

Before I start making I surround myself with materials and research and ideas. It looks really chaotic but I like to see, feel, and think and start to play around. This is the most enjoyable part, knowing when to stop is the most difficult.

How would you best describe your workspace and what tools could you not do without?

My workspace is a collection of exciting materials and tools. However, my hands are my best tools – I can feel the material and make it do things at the same time.