From the archives: Layers of observation with Tansy Hargan

If you give yourself a task, then you will start thinking about things in a different way.

– Tansy Hargan
🔊

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From the archives: Layers of observation with Tansy Hargan
UK artist Tansy Hargan brings her background in architecture and landscape design into a vibrant mixed-media practice. From tiny thumbnail sketches to layered textiles, she explores colour, sound, and place with a rare attentiveness. In this thoughtful conversation, Tansy shares how observation, constraint, and play shape her distinctive art practice.

Show Notes

Takeaways from this episode:

  • Observation can be trained.
    Tools like viewfinders and thumbnail sketches help distill a landscape’s overwhelming detail into something you can truly see.
  • Constraints create freedom.
    Working within a small frame or limited palette can spark unexpected discoveries, opening new pathways for creativity.
  • Sound becomes form.
    A passing bee, a distant train, or a rhythm of voices can be translated into marks and shapes, layering meaning onto the page.
  • Colour is language.
    Through synaesthesia and sensitivity to nuance, Tansy shows how colour can express memory, emotion, and connection to place.
  • Daily practice sustains creativity.
    By noticing small shifts in nature, sketching on trains, or painting for a few quiet minutes, creative momentum is nurtured over time. 

Join the conversation

What inspired you this episode? Share your biggest insight or favourite moment by tagging @TakeTwoArtCourses on social media or using #FibreArtsPodcast

Explore the artwork from this episode below

During the live interview, we shared some images of Tansy’s artwork. Since you’re listening to the podcast version, we’ve made these images available for you below. 

1 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
2 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
3 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
4 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
5 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
6 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
7 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
8 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
9 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
10 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
11 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
12 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
13 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist
14 Tansy Hargan - Friday Feature Artist

1 min read

By Picture of Tara Axford Tara Axford
Sep 16 2025

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