Castlefield Gallery Associates Spotlight: Laura Nathan
Posted on 6 April 2024
This month we have asked Laura Nathan to contribute to our Castlefield Gallery Associates Spotlight series, in which current Castlefield Gallery Associates share their thoughts on what the programme offers and how it has been useful for them.
Can you tell us a little bit about your practice?
I’m a contemporary textiles artist who explores cultural identity, heritage, and intergenerational trauma. I work with symbolic materials, inherited objects, and testimony creating process based, repetitive and laborious pieces. Working in this nature helps me process feelings and gain more understanding of my history and resulting anxieties. I was recently awarded Arts Council England DYCP funding which is enabling me to work with family archives surrounding my grandparents’ experiences in the Holocaust. I have a BA degree in Embroidery and an MA Degree in Art As Environment both from Manchester School Of Art. I also have a strong socially engaged practice and am a textile’s facilitator at Venture Arts.
How did you hear about Castlefield Gallery Associates and why did you want to join?
In 2022 I was an artist on a residency entitled “Conversations Series III: Narratives” which was headed by Venture Arts, and Castlefield Gallery was one of the partners. Through this opportunity, I learnt more about Castlefield Gallery and its Associates scheme. The residency signified a return to my art practice after taking time out to become a mum and my confidence grew. Following this I applied for Arts Council England DYCP funding and included a Castlefield Associate membership within this. I felt that the membership would help strengthen my practice and encourage me to feel connected within Manchester’s diverse creative community.
What are you looking forward to most about your coming year’s membership?
I’m looking forward to having one-to-one advisory sessions, hearing more about events and opportunities, and getting to know other Associates.
