Wendy Greaves

Textiles

Whereas landscapes have always fuelled artistic expression, I am convinced that textiles and fibre art possess an unrivalled capacity to conjure their spirit in a tangible, sensory way.

There is something almost primal about inviting the viewer to “watch where you tread”, to slow down, heighten their awareness, and discover a newfound intimacy with their environment.

My approach to stitching is deeply instinctive; evoking texture, atmosphere, and subtlety. Recently, my practice has been enriched by the inclusion of locally sourced wool, amplifying the tactile dimension of my work, while solar dyeing imparts gentle, organic hues that steer clear of synthetic artifice. Layering textures through mono printing lays the groundwork for further exploration.

I do not seek to reproduce the wild drama of North Devon’s scenery; instead, my work is an ongoing enquiry, a search for resonance rooted in exploration, not replication. My practice combines hand and machine embroidery, embellishment, appliqué, spontaneous marks and mono printing. Each textile piece is shaped by the fragile nature of its materials and the evanescence of the instants it captures.

At the core of my art lies this gentle vulnerability: a shared transience between subject and medium, where every layered surface invites contemplation and connection.