Holly Eggleston
Fine Art
I am a textile artist that explores how weaving and sewing promote therapeutic healing.
Final year project
A Weave a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Hanging by a Thread, 2022, Cotton, Felt, Wool, Transparent Fabric and Polyester.
Art therapy is fundamental to my practice. I explore how therapeutic textile techniques can help me understand and document my grief. After the death of my mother, I found it extremely difficult to talk about my grief, so I turned to weaving to help me process it. I choose colours, textures and patterns based on mood. Hanging by a Thread was a weave created while my mind could not rest. The colour palette is chaotic and does not allow the eye to rest.
My work is driven by starting conversations around grief and creating an atmosphere where people are comfortable discussing death, grief and mental health. By taking my work out of a gallery setting and into the public sphere, people feel more comfortable discussing it in ‘their space’ rather than in an alien white-walled gallery.
Selection of Weaves
Display of a selection of weaves - highlighting that grief is not linear.
"The Only Cure for Grief is to Grieve" Blanket, 2022, Cotton, Felt and Polyester. Photograph at Nottingham Highfields Park
A blanket made for people reflecting on their grief.
25 benches were donated by Netflix, Ricky Gervais and the charity CALM, to provide a location for reflection. Ricky Gervais's character in After Life, Tony, discusses his grief on a bench in a churchyard, as he comes to terms with his wife's death. The bench becomes a very important part of the show, so subsequently 25 benches were placed around the country to encourage people to discuss their grief. I made a blanket for the bench in Nottingham's Highfield Park, to provide comfort physically and emotionally. Embroidered with 'The Only Cure for Grief is to Grieve', the blanket allows people to open up about their mental health and understand they are not weak for grieving.
"The Only Cure for Grief is to Grieve" Blanket (details), 2022, Cotton, Felt and Polyester. Photograph at Nottingham Highfields Park
A blanket made for people reflecting on their grief. - Details
Am I Healing or Drowning in this Isolation?, 2022, Cotton, Wool, Transparent Fabric, Alpaca Wool and Felt.
After losing my mother to cancer, I use weaving to explore how therapeutic textile techniques can help me understand and document my grief. I choose colours, textures and patterns based on mood. 'Am I Healing or Drowning in this Isolation?' was created while I was in a depressive state, where all I could see was darkness. By being open about my grief, I hope to create a space where people are encouraged to discuss their grief.
Am I Healing or Drowning in this Isolation? (Details) , 2022, Cotton, Wool, Transparent Fabric, Alpaca Wool and Felt.
(Details)
Alongside 'Am I Healing or Drowning in this Isolation?' is a weave that includes handmade paper and my mother's clothing. I wrote a letter to my mum, of all the things I had wished I had said, I then proceeded to shred this and make handmade paper. This process was extremely therapeutic and allowed to me understand my emotions.
Detailed Image of 'Chaotic Mind', 2022. Cotton, Wool, Alpaca Wool and Felt.
Detailed Image of 'Chaotic Mind'. Within this weave, my mind could not rest, it was extremely chaotic. As a result, I chose clashing colours and a mixture of textures.
My Studio
My Studio - documenting works in progress and the relationship between all the weaves.
Holly Eggleston
Final year project
A Weave a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Awards
Bronze Award for Volunteering, Loughborough University, 2020
- I received the Bronze Award for volunteering throughout the academic year 2019/2020. I participated in many projects including the University Experience Project, Wenlo Action Project, Roseberry Action Project, Greenbelt Action Project, and Connaught House Action Project. One particular project influenced my practice as at Christmas I decorated a local community centre, including a window painting of the movie 'Frozen'. While decorating, I had several conversations with the community leaders who used art activities to support children. As a result, my practice became more socially engaged as I could see the positive impact art had on improving wellbeing.
Most Committed to Action (Volunteering), Hazlerigg Rutland Hall, Loughborough University, 2019/2020
- I was awarded the 'Most Committed to Action' award during the Hazlerigg Rutland Awards as I was the hall member that volunteered the most.
Most Likely to Exhibit in the Tate, Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, 2017
- Students and Staff voted me 'Most Likely to Exhibit in the Tate' after my A-Level Fine Art Exhibition.
Work Experience
Fine Art Peer Mentor, Loughborough University, 2021
- As a Peer Mentor, I was responsible for supporting fine art students in their first year of university. I shared my knowledge of the student experience within fine art, answered any questions the students had, and ensured they were settled into the university. This role enabled me to improve my public speaking ability and networking skills. COVID-19 made this role challenging, however, I enjoyed enhancing my communication skills and welcoming people to the university.
Creating and Establishing my Small Business, 'That's the Badger', 2017- present.
- During my gap year before attending Loughborough University, I started a small business selling pet portraiture, portraits, crafts, and sewn items. I attend many events and craft fairs, where I am able to establish and build my small business. I carried on the small business while at university and applied the new skills I developed to the products I created.
House Secretary, Kesteven and Grantham Girls School, 2016/2017
- During my role as House Secretary, I organised many events, interacted with the public and staff, and promoted the school and sixth form. Planning events such as Sports Day at the local leisure centre, House Pantomime, House Bake Off, and House Choir, improved my communication skills and organisation. I was able to enhance my creativity by designing posters to promote the events.