We interview Viv Sliwka
The designer-maker behind Hen’s Teeth Art tells CrossStitcher about her love of textiles and how creativity is an essential part of her…
Textile artist Viv Sliwka this year celebrates a decade of blogging and creating as Hen’s Teeth Art. Known for her tiny hand-embroidered ‘buzzing bees, embroidered flowers, hand-drawn animals and characters’, Viv’s beautiful textile art is inspired by the natural world and found materials. She invited us into her cosy garden studio to chat all things stitch…
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I live on the beautiful StaffordshireShropshire border and have been married for a very long time to a very supportive and fabulous man. We have two grown girls who live and work in London. Our empty nest is occupied by us, our beloved dog Billy and a very loud singing canary, named Mr Pip! We enjoy walking and visiting antique centres and flea fairs. I particularly enjoy the fairs, as I am always on the look-out for materials to use in my artwork.
Have you always loved textiles?
I hold my mum responsible for my love of textiles! She has always made hand-stitched patchwork quilts from our old clothing, and she also bought and sold at antique fairs – so I have always collected and loved old fabrics. When I was at school the only subject I enjoyed was art. Creating in whatever form is so intrinsically part of me: every thought is creating, drawing and expressing myself.
What do you love about stitching?
I adore that you can draw on cloth with stitch in all its varied ways: cross stitch, hand embroidery, free machine embroidery. Creating a surface texture with stitch and colour brings me great joy.
How did Hen’s Teeth start?
It was about 10 years ago now – I started writing my own blog and it grew from there. I don’t know why I started to make, but I was no doubt encouraged by interaction with my readers. I would describe my work as artworks and wearable stitcheries,
created from re-purposed, timeworn fabrics and ephemera.
Can you tell us a bit more about your creative process?
I work in many different ways – usually the base item will dictate what I make. For example, I like to use old envelopes as a canvas as I think the stamps, writing and date stamps are beautiful, and embellish the surface further with embroidery and appliqué. Or I will take a worn embroidered tablecloth, launder it and then use a piece as a base for a needle case or brooch, embellishing further with screen printed imagery or embroidery. The aged cloth holds a greater appeal to me than working with new textiles.
We’re envious to hear that you have your own purpose-built wooden garden studio…?
I do – it’s warm and very cosy! Recently my husband gave the interior a complete overhaul, as it had just become a storage room leaving me very little space to work. We thought through exactly what I needed, such as electric plugs above the work top, shelving and a cutting table. He was able to create a bespoke work space for me and it is an absolute pleasure to walk down the garden and spend my days in there.
Can you tell us a bit more about a day in the life of Hen’s Teeth?
My day starts very early. I am usually at work by 8am, answering emails and sorting orders. If I have a free day to stitch, I will usually be making for my online shops or for a forthcoming fair or workshop.
I have so many ideas going round my head that it can be hard to concentrate on one thing at a time. It’s easy, when working from home, to procrastinate and flit from this and that, instead of getting on with what needs doing.
What inspires your stitching?
I am constantly inspired by the world around us, particularly pets, the natural world, gardens and folk art. I enjoy using Instagram and follow the most awe-inspiring contemporary artists.
I am very inspired by American folk art, old and new. I adore the work of painters Elaine Pamphilon, Winifred Nicholson and Andrew Wyeth and contemporary textile artists such as Janet Bolton, Alice Kettle and Rachel Howard.
What are you looking forward the most to this year?
I am very fortunate to be invited to deliver workshops at beautiful studios across the country and I have a few booked in for this year. I have also been invited to deliver a workshop in New England, USA which is very exciting!
What are your creative dreams for the future?
I would dearly love to go back to college and take a course in the arts. Having the freedom to experiment with paint, print, ceramics and stitch, mixing things up a little – oh what a joy that would be! Maybe not next year, but one day perhaps, as it’s never too late to learn something new. www.hensteethart.com www.etsy.com/uk/shop/hensteeth
Creating… is so intrinsically part of me: every thought is creating, drawing and expressing myself