Workshop | Textile Transformations: Queer Threads | Henry Shawcross

Suitable for adults and teenagers (12+)

Transform a scrap of fabric into a symbol of queer pride with textile collage, a technique that breathes new life into discarded textiles. This workshop is inspired by the significance of textiles in LGBT history such as the rainbow flag and the AIDS memorial quilt. It offers the opportunity to regenerate old fabric and carry its personal meaning into a pride patch or badge. Firstly you'll create a drawing or design of your chosen pride symbol that will be the starting point of your textile artwork. Then enjoy the process of selecting colours, patterns, and textures from fabrics that convey the meaning of your drawing. Finally you'll cut and join together these scraps with stitch or glue, making an evocative and richly textured artwork. You are encouraged to bring discarded fabric of your own to use if you wish. 

Artist Biography 

Henry Shawcross (he/him) lives and works in Kamberri, on Ngunnawal and Ngambri country. He is a queer trans disabled artist with a life-long interest in textiles and returned to visual art as self-expression when he experienced chronic illness. His practice explores gender euphoria, queer joy, and disability pride through stitching, constructing textiles, printmaking and drawing. He was recently a finalist in the inaugural ACT Historic Places Art Prize and was highly commended in the 2022 ANU Drawing Prize. He is currently in his final year of the Bachelor of Visual Arts at ANU with a major in Hybrid Art Practice. 


Image Credit: Henry Shawcross | Rainbow 2024 | Image courtesy of the Artist