Lesley Bright
Lesley Bright is a Brisbane-based textile artist renowned for her whimsical “chaotic” textile sculptures and mixed-media works. She predominantly uses vintage and second-hand fabric, buttons and beads, as well as remnants she has collected from around the globe.
Every creation from her studio is hand-cut and hand-stitched without the use of sewing machines. This meticulous, slow-craft process gives each character its distinct, organic personality and ensures that no two pieces are identical.
Her work contains intricate stitched details. Features such as facial expressions, feathers and clothing are hand-embroidered and patched.
The works have a wire base but are stuffed to give them a warm textile feel.
Lesley is completely self-taught, developing her practice through years of personal experimentation rather than formal art-school training. This independent path has allowed her to bypass traditional crafting rules and create distinctly original works.
ARTIST STATEMENT
INSTAGRAM: @lesleybrightarts
“I create bold, colourful textile sculptures of birds and other whimsical creatures from vintage and upcycled fabrics, yarns, beads and threads. Each creation is a depiction of how I connect with the world.
My sculptures want to chat with you and discover where you are from. I have translated the birds into fun and intensely detailed caricatures of themselves. Each one has their own back story which emerges as they go from being a pile of fabric and thread to being the beautiful almost alive form. These sculptures are all hand stitched and original. Come closer so we can hear what you are saying.”
Artist: Lesley Bright
Textile sculpture
I am quietly waiting for you to take me home.