Their story, in their words….
I first found out about punch needling on Pinterest very soon before I was offered the chance to take part in the reward. I was really excited when I got given the grant to buy materials I otherwise couldn’t afford and learning a new skill was met with huge inspiration but also challenges as it was all new to me. However I grew to love the technique and I started to create pieces using reused frames and stapling or glue gunning the fabric around them. When I got confident with making them I started to think about outreach so I took part in a project with the Commonwealth Fashion Council who were teaming up with the Commonwealth Blue Charter to make meaningful pieces of design that express the need for awareness of ocean pollution and its damaging impacts. I created multiple pieces such as a large metre by ¾ of a metre turtle piece. I then also exhibited my pieces at an XR Youth evening event in Hackney in July.
The best thing I have taken from this project is a love for craft and eco activism I can use for the rest of my life. It also has boosted my confidence as I was given good feedback on my art and I like the fact it is different and quirky. My wool was almost all recycled too and if it wasn’t, it was a delivery from etsy which is a website for independent sellers. I may also use the pieces I created in my A-Level art projects and also I could consider getting commissions for them if I need student funding in the future. I made an Instagram page too because it coincides with my Business Studies A-Level but I am not planning on trying to get profit from these pieces in the near future because I have no time. I just am enjoying the practice of displaying work and Mark Evison have helped me found what I love.
