Sustainability Heritage Textiles Research Drawing Archives
Rachel Bakewell — neurodivergent artist and designer exploring materiality, community, and memory through collaborative practice
I’m Rachel—a neurodivergent artist, creative studio founder, and reflective writer living and working from a cottage near Werneth Low. My practice is rooted in emotional sustainability, historical research, and inclusive design. I work slowly and adaptively, shaped by a fluctuating neurological condition and sensory processing differences. This means my creative rhythm doesn’t follow a predictable path—but it’s honest, attuned, and deeply considered.
I work across textiles, printmaking, bookbinding, and drawing to explore heritage, community, and cultural memory. My handmade pieces often blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, offering tactile experiences that connect people with the past in meaningful ways. Inspired by archival material and lived experience, I create art that invites reflection on both environmental responsibility and social change.
My latest focus is on therapeutic textiles—plant-based, naturally dyed, and scent-infused pieces designed for people with disabilities and sensitive skin. These works combine creativity with wellbeing, offering comfort through inclusive, sensory design.
Alongside my studio practice, I’m quietly sharing a personal series of reflective posts—documenting how I return to making, decorating, and restoring at my own pace. These posts are part of a living archive shaped by disability, neurodivergence, and emotional pacing. They also serve as a gentle testbed for a future project: a sustainable material design directory that centres accessibility, emotional fit, and lived experience.
Quiet Reach
This platform has grown slowly and organically over the past few years, and I’m grateful for each person who takes time to read, reflect, or return. This space is not driven by metrics, but by meaning.
Transparency & Care
This website is for educational and creative purposes. All historical references and brand mentions are used respectfully and for non-commercial storytelling. External links are provided for context and do not imply endorsement.
Image Use
All images on this site are either original works or cited with proper attribution. I strive to honour visual content with the same care, emotional fit, and respect that shape my creative practice. If you notice any omissions or errors in crediting, please do get in touch—I’m dedicated to transparency and thoughtful stewardship.
I’m currently reviewing content across my platform to ensure all credits and references are clearly included. If I’ve missed anything, please feel free to reach out—I’m committed to honouring all sources with transparency and care.
Rachel Bakewell 