Featured Makers: Slowing Down with Agy Textile Artist
"Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished." - Lao Tzu
Agy is a textile artist who uses free motion embroidery techniques to create collages and 3D textures. These allow her to draw with threads and create elegant lines and patterns that will captivate the viewers! Her current works and practice involve slowing down and reconnecting with oneself through stitch meditation.
With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, setting aside some time to unwind and immerse yourself in the repetitive process of bringing the needle through the fabric might bring you some perfect calm and downtime! Watch her interview below or read on to find out how this might be the perfect unwinding activity for you.
Introduce yourself!
Hi, my name is Agatha - I'm also known as Agy. I am a textile artist and I use my artwork to get people to understand that they need to slow down and appreciate their environment. A lot of my work involves the technique: Free Motion Embroidery - which is using a sewing machine and thread to paint or sketch on fabric. My collages and sculptures are for sale (visit her website here) but I also exhibit around the world!
How did you start working with textiles?
So how did I start getting involved with textiles? Well I initially trained as a scientist and I was working in the environmental field for over 10 years. But because of the stresses of work, in the evenings and on the weekends I will do some sewing projects. Initially they were very simple, like making my own clothes or upcycling - for example a pair of jeans into a bag.
I got really interested in changing the textures and manipulating the surface of fabrics - and that's when I discovered Free Motion Embroidery! It really opened up a whole world of exploring different types of techniques and I'm enjoying it.
Photos: Agy Textile Artist
Where do you get your inspiration from?
So as someone who is very passionate about the environment and sustainability, things that I have been exploring for the past few years include slowing down, finding that inner tortoise in yourself and observing nature. So, when someone looks at my work, I hope that person would think, "Oh, I didn't notice these things before!" And we get to question how we can have a better relationship with the environment.
Share with us what it's like in a workshop with you!
So my Basic Free Motion Embroidery Workshop lasts for 2 and a half hours - and what will you learn? Well, you will learn how to break the rules of traditional sewing. Which means that you don't have to sew in a straight line. I'll teach you how to set up your machine, learn tips and learn how to basically draw with your sewing machine! And at the end of the day, you can get to make your own fabric collage on a tea towel. You can perhaps do this design, or this one here. But the most important thing is you get to enjoy the process as well.
If you already know how to use the sewing machine for Free Motion Embroidery and you want to take it a step further, I have the Intermediate session. It's also 2 and a half hours and you'll get to make your own fabric and lace - using thread and a sewing machine!
Who would you recommend your workshop to?
My workshops are for anyone who knows how to use the sewing machine but want to take it a step further - so they want to be able to draw and paint with a sewing machine to create collages and different textures.
What are you currently working on?
So currently I'm on a mini break! I always think it's good to recharge, especially if you're sewing. But I'm also exploring at the same time how to sew mushrooms, which I think are the recyclers of the earth so I'm very excited with that project.
How do you think sewing will benefit a person?
Well, sewing is a very repetitive process - when you take a needle and thread and you just run it through the fabric or when you use a sewing machine, there's a sound that gives the whole activity a buzz. So because it's so repetitive, it actually is a very meditative and calming process. For me personally, when I'm doing any sewing, I'm in the zone and I am in a creative lull, which means that all the worries that I have will just disappear! So in this case, I will highly recommend anyone to take up sewing activities.
Knowing that many of us are just so swamped with everyday life and work, it might be high time that we search for outlets to experience tranquility and peace - and sewing might just be the right avenue for you to enjoy such a venture. So don't forget to browse our workshops with various Guest Trainers like Agy! Or if you are still unsure of which class to go to, our article on which sewing classes to take first might inspire you!
For further enquiries, you can email hello@fashionmakerspace.com or whatsapp us at 8830 3753.
Hero Image: Agy Textile Artist
Wanderlust by Scott Buckley | https://soundcloud.com/scottbuckley
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