Laura Derby Artists Statement January 2023

The hand tufting technique allows me to paint and sculpt with yarn enabling me to artfully weave in elements of the natural world and heritage motifs. I create one off, unique, hand crafted textile rugs, wall hangings, mindfulness mats and upholstered stools from my textiles. My stools are mainly made by skilled local woodworkers from local, sometimes naturally fallen, trees. Provenance of materials is part of my journey and I am proud to have achieved using 100% British Wool dyed to my own colours, alongside some upcycled carpet industry yarn. I have proudly achieved The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Certification Mark in recognition of my alignment with UNESCO principles.  I wish to craft positive heritage into an ethical product through making heirloom quality functional art work, which will stand the test of time through use and concept. Strengthening links between art, nature and humanity towards greater psychological and cultural health is important to me, with tufting like my personal contribution to try to steer things right in this world that I love.