Artist Bio
With a natural approach, I use the processes of old to create.
I work with textiles and clay. Currently more textiles based, I use waste wool to save it from being burnt and forage plants to make natural dyes without mordants so the process is completely natural. I then spin weave and felt, often with plants or combined with sculpture.
Also, I sculpt and pit-fire foraged clay and build architectural sculptures out of cob mix (clay, sand and straw). In addition, as a creative person, I experiment making jewellery and create upcycled clothes, especially patchwork dungarees. My practice is about using what we have already, what nature has given us, to give back to nature by reducing waste and being grateful for her gifts.
I grew up in Bristol and now live in Cornwall after studying Fine Art at Falmouth University. You can find me in my studio at the wonderful creative community of Krowji in Redruth.
Cornwall is a place steeped in mythologies and folklore, a beautiful landscape where I feel rooted and connected to the land. I explore how these materials intertwine the natural and cultural world around us. I focus on the process, not just the end product. This is why I use traditional, ancient and primitive processes.
I have an interwoven practice to bring wellbeing to people, place and earth. Interconnecting them in community and crafts and bringing us closer to the land by reconnecting to natural materials
Artist Statement.
Using natural materials, my practice engages in a reciprocal relationship with nature; to be restored by nature and to restore her.
I create sculptures and textiles that help people interact and reconnect to the earth and themselves. Spaces to reflect, meditate and be restored.
Reconnecting to the earth with a feminine sensibility, I explore a feminine connection to nature, not the female. Delving into shared themes between women and the earth; cycles, impermanence, pain, pleasure, sexuality, sanctity, wildness and interconnectedness. Societal oppressions are also interwoven in my work meaning it defies categories of body, gender, history and time.
I look at historical mythologies and spirituality in symbiosis with the earth, not in deities. The spiritual encompasses a feminine sensuality and understanding of surroundings; a union of spiritual and material. Foraging creates a personal connection to the materials and this locality creates a communication with the land and history. Using traditional crafts and techniques, and disrupting material gendered associations, forges a new understanding of the processes.
However, it’s not just the end result, the building process also offers the same principles…
Using our hands to build brings us therapeutic and meditative benefits. Its primitive nature helps us tentatively engage with the earth and become physically connected. It also connects us to each other.
It’s an interwoven process that brings wellbeing to individuals, the community and the earth.
CV
Exhibitions
2022- University Group Show, Goldfish Bowl Gallery
2022- University Group Show, Life Cycles Collective
2023- University Degree Show, Belmont Studios
Education
2020-2023 BA Fine Art, Falmouth University
Residencies
October 2025- 1 month artist Residency at Det Vilde Spinderi, Denmark
Milly Wakelin 