Louisa Ruthven

Paints, textiles and threads have been constant companions in my life. Whilst working as a professional actor, I received my degree at Wimbledon School of Art, specialising in Theatre Costume Interpretation. I worked in this industry for many years.

Coming from a theatrical background, the flow between thread, textile and paint from something to be hung on the wall or worn on the body seems natural to me. ‘What is underneath, and what is beyond?’ are questions that haunt me. I am constantly excited by the outside natural world - it’s colours, lights, pathways, and the stories it holds deep. Tracks and landlines leading the eye forward to new horizons are repeated themes.

I work with both hand and machine stitch – I love the contrast in speed. Hand stitch days are quiet and contemplative, focusing on the learnt muscle memory of drawing thread through fabric. Free machine stitch days tap into my natural energy, using the needle to ‘paint’ with thread. I use repurposed and natural fibres as much as possible, and often incorporate eco dyed fabrics and threads.

Although my work is primarily nature based, I still am strongly influenced by my background in theatre and love making a bit of drama.

Recently I have returned to my homeland of Scotland after many years living ‘down south’. I am very excited to be living in the same row of cottages where my great great grandfather and his family lived and am in the process of building my