Pat Archibald is a textile artist, writer and teacher based in Edinburgh, Scotland. In 2004 she left the world of retail and established a creative space for students to learn traditional techniques and to explore their own artistic boundaries in a more innovative way. She runs workshops and regular classes from her studio as well as undertaking commissions and exhibiting throughout the UK. Pat’s creative journey is taking her to the Edinburgh Festival next year where she will be showing a collection of new work. In October this year, she joins fine artist, Lesley Anne Derks to exhibit a collection of textile hangings and paintings. Colours of Hong Kong is being held from 13-21st October at the Dundas Street Gallery, Dundas Street, Edinburgh.
What is your job title?
Textile artist and teacher.
Who do you work for?
I am self- employed
What do you do all day?
A great deal of the day is spent on ‘admin’ tasks. I forward plan the classes I teach which involves researching a topic and making samples for the classes. If I have a commission or requests from the various galleries that take my work then I work on those so all in all a long and busy day. The reward is feet up at 9pm and a glass of good wine!
What are you doing today?
I am just back from teaching in Caithness so a quick re-pack of the bags and off to the London area in an hour to so to teach there for a few days.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The many different aspects to my work, and the opportunity to travel and the variety of interesting people that I come into contact with.
And the worst thing?
The admin, airport security and flight delays.
How did you get into it?
Patchwork and quilting were a hobby from almost teenage years. I co-owned a specialist patchwork and quilting shop in Linlithgow for 10 years and when it was sold four years ago I became freelance and that gave me the freedom to develop a more creative and artistic side to my own work.
Who’s been the biggest influence on you, career-wise?
My friends, who have constantly encouraged me.
Tell us a little about your latest project?
In October a joint exhibition of my work and Lesley Anne Derks paintings opens in the Dundas Gallery in Edinburgh. All our work has been inspired by the night colours of Hong Kong. It is the culmination of a year’s work and I hope will provide a vibrant exhibition.
What’s been your biggest professional achievement so far?
Winning the commission to make a piece to hang in the chapel of the Aberdeen Royal Children’s Hospital and as a result working with Mike Tastard, the architect of the hospital and Jennifer Jane Bayliss, the stained glass artist to produce a piece that fitted the situation both architecturally and spiritually.
Who is your favourite textile artist?
Charlotte Yde.
Where would you like to go from here, career-wise?
I would like to work with architects and interior designers to produce work that would be site specific.
What are the challenges facing textile artists today?
Getting creative and artistically designed textile pieces recognised as an art form and not just as a utilitarian cottage craft.
