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From the archives: Antidotes to fast fashion with Claire Wellesley-Smith
Claire Wellesley-Smith isn't just an artist; she's a weaver of communities. Her long-term, community-based projects are deeply rooted in the rich...
In this episode, we chat with Hungarian textile artist Kinga Földi, who creates delicate silk sculptures shaped by pintuck, origami and a deep attentiveness to nature. After years in fashion, costume and theatre design, she turned to freestanding sculptural work as a slower, more personal form of expression. This discussion explores material transformation, patient making, and the search for forms that offer rest in an overstimulated world.
Build a strong foundation before pursuing creative freedom. Kinga explains that years spent studying historical calligraphy gave her the technical understanding needed to develop a personal and experimental visual language.
Slowing down as a creative practice. You’ll discover how stepping away from speed and deadlines can open up a more intentional, meaningful way of making, where both process and outcome are given space to evolve.
Finding your unique visual language. Kinga’s journey shows how persistence and experimentation lead to originality, encouraging you to keep refining your ideas until something truly your own emerges.
Letting material guide the work. This episode highlights the importance of listening to your materials – allowing fabric, structure and form to suggest directions you may not have planned.
Building from traditional techniques. You’ll gain insight into how foundational craft skills, like weaving and pintuck, can be reimagined into contemporary, sculptural forms that feel fresh and relevant.
Creating work that offers rest. Kinga’s practice invites you to think about how your art might serve others – not just visually, but emotionally – as something that encourages stillness, reflection and quiet connection.
During the live interview, we shared some images of Kinga’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below.
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By
Angela Truscott
Apr 24 2026
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