Swansea-based textile artist Anthea Walsh specialises in 2D wall-hung pieces that increasingly combine traditional practices with new technologies. She is supported by Arts Council Wales as a current placement on the Crafts Council's Next Move scheme at Swansea Metropolitan University.

'Spectrals' (60x60cm) by Anthea Walsh; Photo: Anthea Walsh, 2006

Anthea Walsh, Textile artist; Photo: Ingeborg Thorsland, 2005

'Blue Gazelles' (120x100cm) by Anthea Walsh; Photo: Anthea Walsh, 2006

Describe your work

I make one-off and limited-edition wall pieces, incorporating such traditional techniques as silk-screen printing, appliqué, decorative use of sequins, beads and other found material. Drawing is a key element, as is an appreciation of balance, space and a sensitive use of colour. My work is generally figurative, though I also pursue design-led projects, ranging from printed textiles to CD artwork and site-specific commissions.

What influences your work?

Nature is my main theme and source of inspiration. It provides my imagery, and informs my choice of materials, which are mostly natural: wool, linen, cotton, leather, silk. I think drawing from life is my biggest strength. I like to study animals and other natural forms, and translate them into simple silhouettes or intricate patterns, depending on the environment that I'm trying to create.

What made you decide to work in your chosen field?

I always loved textiles: my grandmother was a seamstress, so I took an interest from a very young age. During my BA Fine Art course at Falmouth College of Art, I began to collage with vintage fabrics, stitching into the canvas, and embellishing my paintings with beads and sequins, so embracing textiles was a logical step.

What are you working on at the moment?

I'm starting a new body of work in which I plan to incorporate contemporary methods, such as laser-cutting and digital print, into the traditional methods I'm familiar with.

Email: anti_77@hotmail.com
Telephone: +44 (0) 7985 951932