Contemporary Textiles by Lauren C Naylor
Bio
Hello, I'm Lauren, a contemporary textiles artist based in Sheffield. Achieving a BA Hons in Fashion and Textiles and a Masters Degree in Accessories Design my educational journey has been a canvas for honing artistic expression. Beyond academia, my role as a creative educator for vulnerable adults has added depth to my understanding, fostering a commitment to inclusivity and empowering others through the transformative power of art.
As an artist, I engage in the meditative artistry of slow stitching, I make without using machinery using hand-stitching techniques that reflect my commitment to mindfulness and the importance of maintaining good mental health. I adore colour and traditional craft and my work often draws inspiration from the rich cultural tapestries of Africa, India, and Mexico. I draw not only from their vibrant visual landscapes but also from the traditional embroidery techniques passed down to me by my older generations, weaving a connection to heritage into each piece.
Within my artworks I use specialist textile techniques such as: hand-dyeing, screen printing, applique, batik, hand-embroidery, and beading. I explore the visual hidden beauties of the microscopic world and am inspired deeply by the abstract nature of the natural world.
Simultaneously, my art is driven by a deep environmental ethos. I am an advocate for sustainability, utilizing reclaimed materials whenever possible. My artworks carry a powerful environmental message, serving as a celebration of nature's unseen beauty and a plea for the protection of our planet. In the face of ecological challenges, my work is a call to embrace and value the beauty of our world before it slips away.
I'd like my artwork to provoke the observer, inspiring them into action, compelling us all to reflect on the fragility of our planet, the vulnerability of humanity, and the need to protect what is most important.
Thank you for visiting my site. I welcome collaborations and commissions, as they offer exciting opportunities to explore new artistic directions. Please get in touch with any enquires.
Exhibitions:
2024 'The Fronteer Open 2024'
Art Prize and group exhibition
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2024 'Flora'
The Flora exhibition showcases a captivating collection of works celebrating the beauty and diversity of plant life.
It features a range of mixed media including textiles, photography, sculpture and oil paintings. The exhibition highlights the enduring fascination artists have with the natural world, offering a fresh perspective on the timeless subject of flora.
2024 'Signs of Spring'
A group exhibition showcasing contemporary artwork from around the country, it is a curated show of mixed media with the theme of spring and the emotions associated with it.
The Kreiva Art Gallery, Bridlington
2024 'Meet the Locals'
A group based exhibition celebrating the local artists of Sheffield and South Yorkshire.
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2023 'The Fronteer Open 2023'
'People's Choice' runner up
Art Prize and group exhibition
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2023 'Urban Jungle'
A group exhibition featuring over 45 UK based artists, all looking at urban environments
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield
2023 'Ruby'
The Art Through Textiles Group, 40th anniversary.
A group exhibition featuring contemporary textiles.
The Art Room, Barlow
2022 'A Sense Of Space'
The Art Through Textiles Group.
A group exhibition featuring contemporary 2D/3D textiles.
The Art Room, Barlow