Louisa Ruthven

I’m a textile artist living and working in the village of Bladnoch, in the same cottages where my family lived, nearly two hundred years ago. I make textile art inspired by my love of landscape, place and memory, and am a spinner and weaver too.

I have a background in theatre and performance, and I studied theatre costume at Wimbledon School of Art. As I began to develop my own artistic practise it was natural and instinctive for me to work in fabric, paint and thread.

I am always excited and challenged by my chosen media, and strive to push it’s perceived boundaries. My work is nature based and I use ink, dye and paint on a variety of recycled natural fabrics and threads, and build up layers to create desired colours and textures. I use a combination of free motion embroidery and hand stitching to capture the energy and dance I see in the natural world. Recent work has also included studies of seashells from the Machers.

Once I have made an art piece, I use it as a colour palette for my handwoven scarves and wall hangings. I blend the wool, before hand spinning it on my beloved vintage spinning wheel, Mhiari.

I am deeply committed to the land and the duality of it’s permanence and fragility, and I strive in my work to reflect both that delicacy and strength.