Kate Whitehead
Kate Whitehead's work serves as a protest against the prevailing consumption patterns of textiles in Western society. Frustrated by a culture where clothing is manufactured and discarded without regard for the environmental consequences, and where the fashion industry and media dictate identities, Kate's rebellion is to embrace slower processes, traditional techniques, and the reclamation of discarded materials. Through weaving and embroidery, she delves into the potential of forgotten, overlooked, and abandoned textiles. Kate takes delight in uncovering humble fabrics like calicos and cottons, preferring those that bear the marks of wear, fading, and stories. She relishes the opportunity to give these fabrics a second chance, taking the time to contemplate the history of each piece, exploring its colours, textures, tears, and frays, and appreciating its unique characteristics.
