Elisabeth Bucht is a Swedish fibre artist and art teacher whose work with textiles discusses themes of human life, mental health and the rights of children. Some of this work has developed into textile-based street art, as well as social and community work.
I spent my childhood living in the countryside surrounded by my family whose mindset was DIY. This meant I freely explored the possibilities of threads and fabrics from an early age.
Later on in my adult life my artistic practices of drawing and painting all turned into fibre techniques. I love the collaboration between my hands and the wonky threads.
Where do you think your creativity is taking you?
My creativity has always been kind of a second way of breathing as well as communicating. It’s taking me through this life of mine. Where I try to stay true to my beliefs in humanity, and through my creative practice work with new generations of future adults. I try to make the young people I work with explore their own creativity and believe in themselves.
Creativity being a “second way of breathing” is a beautiful notion; it’s just as crucial for our survival and comes as naturally as taking a breath. I wonder what would happen if we all leaned into this feeling?
What is your favourite tool to use in your practice?
I wouldn’t choose between the needle and my crochet hook. I need them both. The needle is my pen and the crochet hook is my brush. And they are both part of my voice.
I love the metaphor of her materials being like pen and brush. This really comes across in Elisabeths’ installations. The work is so grand and hugs the landscape just as a mural would using large and sweeping brushstrokes.
What other artists inspire you?
I’ve been inspired by lots of different artists through life so far. Right now I’d say I’m inspired by my friend and Swedish colleague Jennie McMillen – not only because she’s an excellent fiber artist but also because she’s a person always staying true to her artistic visions. Her art should be exhibited more internationally.
How perfect! We recently interviewed Jennie McMillen and couldn’t agree more, her work has incredible potential to be exhibited all over the world.
Can you share one creative tip with our readers?
Don’t judge what you produce – perfection is never as interesting as the traces of your own hands.
Often what holds us back is the fear of making a mistake. Elisabeth’s advice is to let these mistakes become a part of your creative practice.
Just like the finished artwork intends to teach us something about the world and our place in it, the mistakes we make along the way do the same.
Thank you so much to Elisabeth for taking the time to sit down with us and answer our questions. It is so inspiring to see an artist use textiles for installation, particularly in everyday landscapes.
Nespoon is another artist whose outdoor installation work makes great use of textile traditions, so if you like Elisabeth, you should check her out as well!
Make sure to support Elisabeth by following her on Instagram!
