Artists Statement Laura Derby

Laura creates unique, hand crafted textile rugs, wall hangings, mindfulness mats and upholstered stools made by skilled local woodworkers. The hand tufting technique allows Laura to paint and sculpt with yarn and artfully weave elements of the natural world and heritage motifs. She has proudly achieved The Galloway and Southern Ayrshire UNESCO Biosphere Certification Mark in recognition of the provenance of her work and use of 100% British Wool, alongside upcycled British carpet industry yarn. Most stools she upholsters are from local storm fallen trees. Laura wishes 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. She says tufting with her tufting gun is like her personal fight to try to steer things right in this world that she loves, with strengthening links between art, nature and humanity towards greater psychological and cultural health very important to her.