Welcome to Arteach
professional artists bringing inspiration and creativity from the studio to the classroom
Jacqueline Smith
Where were you born?
In Blackburn, Lancashire.
Where do you live now?
Recently returned to Blackburn, and my studio is based in an old mill in Barrowford.
Why did you become an artist?
I was fortunate to be taught at school age by a truly inspirational teacher, whose love and enthusiasm for art and textiles captivated me at an early age and I knew from then that I wanted to pursue my career in art and become an artist/designer.
Why did you choose textiles?
At art college, having tried a whole variety of different art forms and media, it was hard to choose which area to specialise in, but I was always fascinated by textiles and the wonderful textures, colours, patterns and combinations of surface effects and techniques that could be used together such as painting and printmaking, weaving, embroidery, drawing, mark making and 3D construction. I like the fact that you can make anything from huge wall hangings to tiny precious textile pieces.
How long does it take you to make an artwork?
It all depends on the size of the artwork and amount of detail involved in the piece. Some commissioned pieces and gallery work take weeks to produce so I tend to work on several things at once. My handmade paper and embroidered illustrations take a long time because of the amount of machine embroidery and layered detail in them, however I also produce a lot of large silk painted wall hangings which are much more satisfying time wise to make as I can paint a large piece for example from start to finish in about a day.
What strange things do you use in your work?
All sorts of weird and wonderful objects for printing with and mark making and creating textures. As an artist, you tend to use, store and recycle strange and interesting things - finding a use for more or less everything - even toothbrushes for drawing with!
Which tool can you not live without?
Not so much a tool, more a gold paint I use in a tube called gutta - which I use all the time for drawing, writing and embellishing a whole range of surfaces including silk and paper.
What would you have been if you had not been an artist?
Probably a teacher - hopefully a good one - whose enthusiasm and love of subject would inspire many.. as it did me.
Latest News
Arteach Welcomes New Members
We have been promising to do this for a while and better late than never but Arteach has expanded the membership by 3 new artists
Hidden Haworth Project
Arteach member Julie miles has been working with youth groups and the Haworth Art Gallery over the summer to create ceramic sculptures inspired by the house itself.
News Archive