Cornish Tiddlers – Ruth Proudfoot-Smith - Open Studios

Textural stitched art. Originals, prints & cards from soft plastics/recycled materials. Inspired by nature, sea creatures and moorland landscapes.

I have lived in Cornwall for nearly thirty years, inspired by its striking landscape and the wildlife. You will be able to see me working, alongside another artist, in the Oasis Room. I will be embellishing my melted poly-fusion pieces, and stitching into them. I enjoy recycling and repurposing materials into works of art, unrecognisable from their original form. Stitching and printing have become my key techniques, and reflect my signature style. My pieces also link to my long standing interests in environmental concerns.

My technique started when I made carnival costumes from everyday packaging. My children were the happy contestants – as two fishy tins of ‘Cornish Tiddlers.’ I created homemade giant Pilchard tins out of cardboard and the ‘fish heads’ from soft plastics and general household waste. It worked out really well – and much fun was had by all. This was the seed of an idea I have carried on and I love the fact that items become something entirely new.

Plastic bags, sweet wrappers, waste materials, old books and textiles have all featured in my work over the years. My iron and sewing machine blend together to make multi-layered pieces. I also print using tetra packs, making intaglio prints as well as constructing relief collagraphs from cardboard waste and other ‘found’ textures. Cornish Folklore and childhood stories also inspire key images.

A range of framed originals, prints and cards will be on sale. Commissions can also be undertaken.

All my creatures and scenes are inspired directly from the animals and landscape around me.