As a student of Visual Arts at West Dean College I am exploring how textiles can be functional through the use of ancient techniques applied to contemporary practice, not only from an artistic point of view but also questioning the sustainability of crafts and the wider ecology of my work. As well as the larger college and local community, I have so far had great help from the Gardeners, Hospitality team, Estate Management and the Shepherd, to mention a few.

The chair I have used as a frame for a first sample of a tapestry weaving technique. Figuring that chairs are important in society, this seemed like a useful place to start. I am now questioning other important items that could be woven on on into... furniture, books or maybe instruments. Which then raises questions as to what are essential items.

With the wool I have started an insulation installation panel for a Creative Research brief. I wondered if wool-lined walls could be a use for all of the fleece that seems unwanted. Maybe the amount of work needed to treat wool is something of a put off. I have been washing all week but it has become a therapy, each bundle bathed is like caring for a small animal. I've been very fortunate to receive freshly shorn wool at this time of year from one of the flocks that roam in front of the college.Without getting too purist about my approach, yet using only resources off the land, I intend to use this wool as the sole material for my practical work, moving onto other textiles as I develop further rural skills. The next goal being flax to linen making through volunteer work at the nearby Weald and Downland Museum.I came to study at West Dean with a hope that I could find a purposeful use for the textile skills I have. Not only is there a generous amount of materials available to us as students but it is such a delight that I can continue to work with waste and junk, and encouraged to question the status of the materials.