Cumbrian Retrospective Dianne Standen - Creative Textiles

Cumbrian Retrospective
Dianne Standen – Creative Textiles

12 January – 6 March 2022

It was a fascination with colour and texture that led me to work with textiles. From an early interest in fabric, threads, and construction I moved on to focus on felt making. However, concern about waste and running a sustainable business took me in a different direction and for many years now I have experimented with textile and fibre recycling. I have acquired a wide experience in different techniques which I often combine in a variety of work, ranging decorative items such as wall hangings to more practical pieces such as rugs and scarves.

Dianne Standen – Wrapped Yarn

Dark Skies – Dianne Standen – Wrapped Yarns

Grasses – Dianne Standen – Wrapped Yarns

My interest is in playing with contrasts and I integrate a variety of materials into my work such as glass, shells, stone, wire etc. Most of the processes I have developed over the years feature in this Retrospective exhibition and have largely been achieved through using basic hand tools. My aim is to produce textured 3D work which both engages the eye and offers the opportunity for touch.

Since moving to Cumbria over two decades ago my work has been inspired by the Lake District landscape and the Cumbrian Coast.

Shallow waters – Dianne Standen – Cut Tufting

Shallow Waters – Dianne Standen – Cut Tufting

This exhibition showcases thirty years of experimenting with low impact techniques that work well with recycled/reused/reclaimed fibres. I pass on these skills through regular workshops at my studio, The Old Rescue Station Brigham CA130XH, near Cockermouth. It gives me great pleasure to see others use and adapt my processes in their creative work. I keep my workshop sizes small, max 6, so I can provide lots of individual attention.

I am also artist in residence at Rydal Hall, Ambleside LA22 9LX where I have developed a permanent exhibition of outdoor textile sculpture in their woodland. Some pieces have been in situ for over twelve years, others have been overgrown by moss and fungi. It has been interesting to observe how nature and fibres interact. You will find a file with images of the sculpture path in this exhibition. Although usually open with free access due to tree damage sustained during Storm Arwen the sculpture path will not be accessible till Spring/Summer 2022.