Taylor Ashleigh and Nilupa Yasmin
Working with artist and educator Nilupa Yasmin, Taylor explored hand-crafted weaving for the first time. She learnt techniques to create traditional woven pieces from thread and fabric, and how to apply Nilupa’s contemporary approach to the craft using photographs as a material.
Still developing her unique style, Taylor’s piece for the Made in the Middle exhibition delves into themes of identity, childhood memories, and personal history. Reflecting on trauma and mental health challenges, her piece is an extension of her past and aims to create a deep connection to the girl she once was. Using stippling and woven photography as her primary mediums, Celebrations of the Eternal Child depicts powerful memories by drawing inspiration from the past, particularly in childhood memories and family photos.
Taylor worked with Nilupa in her studio at Grand Union in Digbeth, Birmingham, continuing to apply her newly acquired knowledge to her own practice outside the sessions. She also supported Nilupa’s embroidery workshop at Mind Hub, gaining an insight into her socially engaged work and experiencing first-hand how an art practice can be applied to working collaboratively with people in community settings. The project including a research trip to London, where Taylor and Nilupa visited a range of exhibitions and spaces including the Photography Centre at the V & A Museum.
“I’ve definitely developed my artistic skills and I’ve gained a lot of confidence along the way. It was a safe space.”
Crafting Pathways
Part of Made in the Middle, Crafting Pathways pairs young people with professional artists to develop their artistic skills, interests and identities, and learn more about what it is like to work as an artist.
Research, documentation and storytelling by Hayley Salter, a Birmingham based photographer, film-maker and creative producer.
