Meet Textile Artist Cindy Thompson
I absolutely adore working and creating with fibres, materials, threads, beads, colour and textures. All these things create an excitement in me that nothing else quite does.
Sewing Machine as a Best Friend
Although I have always been a hand embroidery devotee, my sewing machine is my best friend these days.
Creating artworks with different textile art techniques using free motion machine embroidery gives me the upmost joy. I often think a lot about a project before I even start gathering materials. The cogs are always turning!
Picking Up Textile Art Project Ideas Everywhere
Tasmania’s beautiful scenery and fresh air allured us here nearly seven years ago, and for sure Tasmania’s landscapes are very inspiring.
I pick up ideas for projects nearly everywhere I go. From the biggest vistas and mountains and streams, to the trees, moss and ferns.
Sometimes the tiniest detail on the bark of a tree or the colour of a rock will get my creative juices flowing.
I picked up an abalone shell on Pardoe Beach near Devonport one day and instantly a vision came to mind for a project I had been considering for years.
The Adrenaline Rush of Inspiration Clicking In
There is a certain thrill and excitement that occurs within me when these “click”moments happen. Speak to my friends and they will tell you it is almost like an adrenaline rush when I talk about it.
Planting the Textile Artist Seed
My mother introduced me to “fancy work” at the age of seven.
She bought a little embroidery kit for me when we were on holidays, and that shop remains vividly in my memory. It was certainly a very pleasant memory and now I am a frequent visitor to many craft and sewing stores.
A Sense of Calm When Creating
Even though I talk about being excited about particular projects, there is a wonderful sense of calm within me when I am creating, that reinforces the fact that I am doing exactly what I should be.
Textiles at school was so enjoyable that I saw myself as a designer.
The pathway was not set for me at that time though, and I forged ahead into a more scientific career which has been terrific over the years. This has certainly allowed me to purchase many sewing supplies!
I was introduced to colour and perspective whilst growing up watching my mother who was an artist.
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The Path From Hobby to Creative Business
Creativity is part of my persona, and as the years went by, and after having two wonderful boys, opportunities came to learn different embroidery techniques. Soon I had a hobby business “Stitches from Cindersplace” (2001) .
It was a lot of work, especially with young children, but very satisfying.
Such a gratifying moment whenever I sold an embroidery kit. Putting myself in the buyers shoes, creating something that I thought I would like to receive in the mail, meant that my kits always came from the heart and this is partly why it was successful.
Profit margins were a long way in, but at the time I was having a ball.
The Power of Regular Classes
Jan Preston in Victoria was a true inspiration to me, and I attended her classes every month for nearly four years. She is the one who taught me free motion embroidery and it was with her, that I discovered this technique was my thing.
I believed that I could not draw, but somehow when it’s with a sewing machine needle it is all very different, and I am right at home.
Textile Art Practise
Dissolvable fabric is a big part of my art practise . Using this fabric in all its forms was taught to me in the textile art course I did with Jan Preston.
It is a truly versatile medium and many effects can be created using it.
Dissolvable material together with free motion machine embroidery is a powerful duo for me and I work with both regularly.
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Studio Life of a Textile Artist
I am very fortunate to now have a dedicated studio in a separate building to our house, just outside the back door, surrounded by a developing garden and country scenery.
I have had it just over a year now. Everything is joyfully in one place now and a couple of my creative groups meet there. It is a warm and friendly space that is also great for teaching.
Over the years, I have sewn on the dining table, in a corner of the lounge, in a spare bedroom, one large and one small, in a study/laundry and just before I took possession of my new studio, I had a corner of our bedroom with my sewing supplies all around the house. Hand embroidery is a different kettle of fish, and you can really do it anywhere.
The Joy of Artist Gatherings
Creative souls have so much in common that it is difficult not enjoy any such gatherings as retreats, studio trails, workshops and classes.
I am keen to see what others are doing even if its not in the same medium that I work in.
Every piece has its own story and it is good to let your mind wander and take in all the variety .
The Joy in Sharing Skills and Ideas
I teach basic free motion machine embroidery, working with dissolvable fabric and hand embroidery.
I have some hand embroidery tutorials on my website which I hope are useful for anyone wanting to learn. It is my aim to increase the stitch library.
I get a kick out of sharing my ideas and skills with those that want to learn. There is a certain camaraderie amongst stitchers which is hard to beat.
I am pleased to be able to provide a great day out where everyone is welcomed and can enjoy my special space. Private tuition is also available for a luxurious day of learning in special surroundings with a light lunch provided.
With More Stitching Time Comes More Expertise
I am now only working two days a week in my chosen scientific career as a Sonographer, and so I have a lot more time to dedicate to my stitching.
I am enjoying reaching a higher level of expertise and it is always great to learn new techniques.
Sculptural Embroidery Artist
I did an online course by Meredith Woolnough, who is an Australian sculptural embroidery artist. Her work uses solely thread on dissolvable fabric, and I have used these techniques, together with my own twist, on free motion machine embroidery to develop my own style in 3D works.
Using Exhibitions to Grow Creatively and Technically
I completed a major artwork called “the Netherby Shell” for the Tidal 2022 exhibition in Devonport, which took my stitching to the next level.
Portraying the power and might and beauty of the sea, along with the story of a shipwreck off the coast of King Island , the piece melded together prompting goosebumps every time I talk about it.
Challenging Yourself as a Textile Artist
Another major project I have just finished is a 3D headpiece for my friend’s wedding day that was held on September 2nd.
It was a big undertaking making wattle, gum blossoms, a waratah, gumleaves, cornflowers (the bride was born in Germany) and a thistle (the groom had Scottish heritage) all from thread. Some people thought they were real dried flowers, so I suppose that is a bit of a compliment.
Exhibition Advice for Textile Artists
I have attended many exhibitions, and assisted my mother in promoting and setting up her solo exhibition in Geelong a few years ago.
A solo exhibition is a great way to promote yourself and allow others to admire or purchase your creations. It’s a lot of work and attention to detail is essential.
It is important to make sure that your beloved pieces are displayed in the way that they should.
I have only just begun on the exhibition experience myself, and my only involvement in one recent exhibition process has showed me that, unfortunately, sending a single photo of your pride and joy, even if it is a professional one, will not portray your piece to its best advantage.
This was particularly so for my textile art which was approximately 8cm in depth and was a 3D piece.
Evolution of Ideas of a Contemporary Textile Artists
Mostly I don’t sketch for my artworks. Although, I did sketch the outline of the abalone shell for my piece “the Netherby Shell”.
If I have an idea in mind, I start gathering materials and then just start. The evolving takes place as I sew. I will look at pictures of things I want to create with thread and fabric, and use as a reference, but I don’t draw them.
Fabric Shop and Imagination
Something that inspires my imagination to creativity is going into fabric shops. The colours and textures of fabrics and threads in particular can spark many ideas.
I am also easily drawn in to the world of Pinterest and relish in looking through the wonderful imagery that is available on that platform.
Work From Your Heart
I think it is important to create what you want to create yourself. Working on someone else’s agenda will not produce good results. Work from your heart and the rest will flow.
The Power of Practising
Practise, practise , practise. The best way to build your artistic skills is to get right into it.
This is certainly the story with free motion machine embroidery. The more you do the better you get.
Really, this applies to just about anything in life that you really want to achieve.
Allow Yourself to Have a Go
If some type of art style or activity appeals to you, just have a go. It may resonate with you, or it may not. If it does, you will be forever grateful for extending yourself.
About the Artist
Cindy is a Tasmanian contemporary Textile Artist.
The great range of colours and textures available are pure joy to her as she creates her works using different sewing and embroidery methods.
Cindy moved to Tasmania in 2017, and she finds much inspiration here for her sewing endeavours. She sells some of her small artworks locally, which are a small taste of her larger projects that have both tactile and visual appeal.
Commissions have been a recent inclusion in Cindy’s practise and include twelve art brooches for an Amazon TV series filmed here in Tasmania.
Most of all Cindy is driven by the satisfaction of the process in creating for pleasure.
Camaraderie is also important to her as she hosts three different stitching and creative art groups in her newly build studio.
It is in this appealing studio space where she teaches classes, both in groups and privately.
Follow Cindy on Facebook and Instagram shop with her on her website for beautiful designs, tutorials, workshops and blog news.
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Artist Profile Stories
I want there to be more arts and crafts in our world, in our communities and in our own lives. Hopefully you’ve found this blog post inspiring and interesting.
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