I draw inspiration from the colours, patterns and textures found in nature. Based in East Lothian, Scotland, I’m surrounded by a mixture of farmland, moorlands and coastal landscapes. Creating art using fabric and thread adds a tactile quality to my work, through which I can draw attention to the textural elements and atmosphere of the landscape.
I have long been interested in the natural environment, rural landscapes and plant life. As a keen gardener, I love building up layers of plant combinations in the garden – I blend layers of colour and texture in my artwork in a similar way.
Hand stitch is a slow and considered process, which creates the space to think about the impacts of nature on our mental health, and the effects of humanity on the environment. Green landscapes and ‘forest bathing’ are known to generate a feeling of calmness, but our landscapes are becoming depleted. Biodiversity is dwindling, and the land is often overworked, suffering from erosion or nutrient depletion. I aim to bring attention to this, and the quest for a more responsible attitude towards the natural environment.
My textile works are created using paint, pen, collage, appliqué and stitch. Layers of materials and stitching create texture and depth. My works on paper are also mixed media, using embroidery, paint, pen and ink – the subtle stitching adds an unexpected raised detail to the flat paper.
I hold a degree in Botany with Microbiology and a PhD in Plant Science, which led to work in technical writing and editing. Since 2018, I’ve blended my passions for both writing and textile art; alongside my creative practice, I work as a technical editor, writer and curator for TextileArtist.org, writing articles and editing Stitch Club workshop materials. I’m also a member of the Society for Embroidered Work. Both of these organisations promote contemporary textile art and its consideration as a fine art form.
Instagram @heidiingramtextileart
Exhibitions
- A selection of works were exhibited in the exhibition Perceiving Nature at Norman Rea Gallery, University of York, 2024.
- Undersea was selected for the juried exhibition Surface and Depth by the Society for Embroidered Work, Palazzo Velli Expo, Rome, 2021
- Two artworks selected for the juried exhibition Contemporary Stitched Art by the Society for Embroidered Work, Clerkenwell Gallery, London, 2019
- Two artworks were selected as finalist entries for the National Needlecraft Awards (Best Original Embroidery Design and Best Miniature categories) and exhibited at the Spring Knitting and Stitching Show, Kensington Olympia, London, 2019
- A selection of works were exhibited at the 3 Harbours Arts Festival @ Haddstock, 2018
- A selection of works were exhibited at the St Abb’s Annual Art exhibition, 2018