Within Without. acrylic on cardboard. 2024
Reverie (Lilac). photographic giclee print on metallic paper. 2020
Kirstie Macleod is talking to The Loom Shed on the 8th November about The Red Dress Project.
Kirstie has worked as an artist for over 20 years, and on The Red Dress for the last 16. Born into a family of knitters and stitchers it was only a matter of time before textiles became the art form for Kirstie’s’ work. Following a BA in Textile Design followed by an MA in Visual Language & Performance, she started her career as a fine artist while living in London. before beginning her career as Fine Artist living in London. Her work is often stitch based, but also encompasses photography, painting and installations involving garments. Examples of her recent work are pictured above, including The Red Dress.
The Red Dress began in 2009 as a sketch on a napkin and quickly evolved into a project to connect with communities and individuals. It provides a platform for people, more often women, who are vulnerable or live in poverty as a means of expression and identity.
Kirstie and the dress has travelled the globe and has been worked on by 367 women/girls, 11 men/boys and 2 non binary artists form 51 countries.
She says: “What we can achieve working together in community and collaboration is far more impactful than trying to work alone. In taking down the many boundaries and borders, and coming together with compassion and humility we can uplift and support one another and hopefully build a better world for the next generation.”
We really love Kirstie’s answers to our Twelve Craft Questions:
What is your Craft of choice?
Embroidery!
What got you into textiles?
Watching my mother and both grandmothers stitching/knitting as a child.
What is your first textile memory?
My mums sewing kit.
Do you prefer bright or muted colours?
Bright
Do you prefer odd or even numbers?
Even, except number 3 which is my favourite number of all time.
Who is your Textile Hero?
Dutch embroider Tilleke Schwarz and installation artist Gabriel Dawe
What is your favourite process?
‘Whipped’ stitches or couching.
Do you craft in public?
Yes, often
How do you relax?
Walking in nature, yoga, mediation, swimming and gardening.
What motivates you?
Love
What is your next challenge?
I would like to learn to roller-skate!
Tea or Coffee?
Always tea – my favourite is chai.
