Tracey Russell – Textile Artist

For over 20 years, Tracey’s sewing machine has been stored in the attic, occasionally seeing the light to make a pair ofcurtains or take up a pair of trousers. With her children grown
up and spare time on her hands it was time to dust down the sewing machine and thread the needle to produce her first collection of textile art in over two decades.

The bespoke works shown here have their origins in Tracey’s original pencil sketches. These are then transferred onto fabric. At this stage, Tracey allows each individual piece of
work to evolve organically, never quite knowing what the finished look will be. In addition to the sewing machine, techniques include collage, hand stitching and applique. For this collection, reclaimed fence panelling has been used to create unique and bespoke mounts for the works.

Following a HND in Surface Pattern Design and a BA (Hons) in International Textiles, Tracey discovered a love for creative textile art. Her highly regarded work led, in the late 1990s, to the establishment of her own company producing handmade greetings cards.

25 years later, after a successful career in the greetings card industry and as a commercial artist for several gift brands, Tracey, who is also Ushaw’s Commercial Manager, has rediscovered her creative instinct to produce the works for this exhibition.

All of the works in the exhibition are for sale. If you wish to make a purchase please enquire at the Reception desk.