Heidi McEvoy-Swift
Welcoming new member: Heidi McEvoy-Swift
Heidi McEvoy-Swift describes her practice as "sewn sculpture" and identifies herself simply as a maker. Working with salvaged theatrical textiles and found organic matter, she creates unique vessels and three-dimensional wall-hung pieces that are entirely sustainable. Her work brings together waste materials from two seemingly contrasting worlds – the opulence of discarded costume fabrics and the quiet rawness of natural elements gathered from woodland or coastline.
Each piece is hand-stitched, predominantly using blanket stitch and a tying method that allows the form to emerge intuitively, guided by the shape, feel, and character of the materials. The result is a body of work that is unrepeatable, led by texture and formed through improvisation and care.
Through this process, Heidi explores the interplay between human perceptions of value – what we consider precious, disposable, or beautiful – and the delicate impermanence of the natural world. Her recent work, influenced by the themes of rising sea levels, flooding, and coastal erosion, reflects on the imbalance created by our attempts to dominate natural systems, questioning our use and misuse of resources, and our struggle to control what ultimately cannot be controlled.
Heidi trained in Textile Design at Central School of Art and began her career as a designer in industry before moving into lecturing. After relocating to Bury St Edmunds, she co-founded a community arts practice, delivering a wide range of mixed media workshops. For the past 15 years, she has worked as a theatre designer, specialising in costume – a discipline she continues to pursue alongside her art practice.
