Catherine CHANDLER 2024

The work deals with themes such as feminism and the reclamation of craft, as well as connections formed between people, all of which assemble in a conceptual fashion.

Women who craft and ‘women’s work’ are so often overlooked and disregarded within the Fine Art world. Using film photography, videography, and textiles, I focus on craft reclamation and the hands of women at work – spotlighting and celebrating these women and their practices.

I feel particularly inspired by the women in my family and the lived experiences of women. Textile art is integral to my practice, allowing me to explore these themes through craft media across multiple installations. This body of work celebrates women who practice ‘craft’, and ‘women’s work’ as a whole.

Using repetition across various elements of the work connects the threads as it relates to the routine - even monotonous - nature of ‘women’s work’.

The knowledge of craft practices often stems from the transference of skills between generations. I bring attention to just how significant these practices remain. They represent the love and connections shared between mother and child, grandmother and grandchildren, beloved friends and, in essence, between women.