A natural affinity for textiles (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

A natural affinity for textiles

4:53pm Thursday 1st December 2011 in Exhibitions By Melanie Dakin

Strips of glossy ribbon, bits of wool and material make up the delicately detailed pictures of Oxhey textile artist Judith Rackley, which are on show in her Natureworks exhibition at The Radlett Centre throughout December.

Trained at Harrow School of Art, Judith went on to teach art at Rickmansworth School. Her interest in working with different mediums in art came to the fore when she began working with A level students on sewing and quilting projects.

After almost 23 years in education, Judith decided she needed a new direction and embarked on a textile course. She also assisted a local theatrical costumier where she developed a greater sense of texture and design.

“I used to sew my own clothes through necessity because I was broke,“ says Judith. “I started out creating abstract patterns but they were a bit easy. Now I enjoy the challenge of more figurative works and my work has moved on a lot.“

For Judith, a simple bow on a Christmas present can be an inspiration.

“I work with ribbons off of chocolate boxes, embroidery threads and knitting wool, which I shred and fiddle with. I’ve got bags and baskets in the understairs cupboard and in drawers in plastic tool boxes.“

Judith says she works on her pieces in installments. The 34 artworks on show include a series of intricate landscapes with perfect perspective and depth as though the plants depicted were gently swaying in a breeze.

“I never do it all in one go, I might spent 16 hours get to a certain stage, then I’ll pin it up in my kitchen and walk past it for a week. I might adjust it then and take bits off. I absolutely love doing it."

“My work is based on natural forms and landscapes such as Attenborough Fields and Cassiobury Park through the seasons. I find the textures and colours created by nature very inspiring and exciting and I try to interpret them.“

Natureworks is in the Foyer Gallery of The Radlett Centre, Aldenham Avenue, Radlett until December 30. Details: 01923 859291