outer sensing, inner seeing: a reflection on wilhelmina barns-graham

I’ve been sitting with a phrase that surfaced in one of Debbie Lyddon’s videos—a quiet nod to Wilhelmina Barns-Graham and her idea that art can emerge from ‘outer sensing and inner seeing‘. Barns-Graham’s work, as I understand it through Debbie Lyddon’s lens, wasn’t about direct representation, but about the felt experience—the way landscape, light, and… Read More outer sensing, inner seeing: a reflection on wilhelmina barns-graham

rbakewell46Leave a comment

post three: decorating as emotional labour

Before and after images rebuilding with filler Living with a fluctuating neurological condition and navigating neurodivergence means that decorating isn’t a straightforward task. It’s a layered process shaped by sensory thresholds and emotional pacing. I don’t decorate quickly. I decorate slowly, with care and consideration, because it’s important to me. The process isn’t just physical—it’s… Read More post three: decorating as emotional labour

rbakewell46Leave a comment

slow stitching: sustainability through needle & thread

See image credits (below) In an age of fast fashion and disposable goods, slow stitching offers an antidote—a practice rooted in care, patience, and sustainability. At its heart, slow stitching is more than just thread on fabric; it’s about valuing time, honouring materials, and creating something that carries meaning beyond its stitches. What Is Slow… Read More slow stitching: sustainability through needle & thread

rbakewell46Leave a comment

on everyday sustainability, false representation, and the frustration of care

As I build Soft Source, a sustainable materials directory rooted in care and accountability, I’ve encountered more greenwashing than I expected. Greenwashing is the practice of making a product or company appear environmentally responsible without meaningful action to support that claim. It often involves vague language, nature-inspired imagery, or unverified buzzwords like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”—used… Read More on everyday sustainability, false representation, and the frustration of care

rbakewell46Leave a comment

on greenwashing & gentle discernment

As I build Soft Source, a sustainable materials directory rooted in care and accountability, I’ve encountered more greenwashing than I expected. Greenwashing is the practice of making a product or company appear environmentally responsible without meaningful action to support that claim. It often involves vague language, nature-inspired imagery, or unverified buzzwords like “eco-friendly” or “sustainable”—used… Read More on greenwashing & gentle discernment

rbakewell46Leave a comment

william morris: life, work, & the revival of his designs in today’s interiors

Few figures have left a lasting imprint on design and culture as William Morris (1834–1896). A pioneer of the Arts and Crafts movement, William Morris was not only a designer but also a poet, social reformer, and visionary who believed that beauty should be accessible to all. His life’s work championed craftsmanship, natural forms, and… Read More william morris: life, work, & the revival of his designs in today’s interiors

rbakewell46Leave a comment

hamish fulton: walking as art

Hamish Fulton, Night Life, 1993Screenprint from the portfolio Ten Toes Towards the RainbowGovernment Art Collection, UKhttps://artcollection.dcms.gov.uk/object/17729-1/ British artist Hamish Fulton (b. 1946) is often described as a “walking artist.” For more than five decades, he has devoted his practice to the act of walking—not simply as a means of moving through the world, but as… Read More hamish fulton: walking as art

rbakewell46Leave a comment

how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?

Sustainability in textiles promotes ethical sourcing and conscious consumerism. It involves choosing materials based on environmental impact, fair labour practices, and transparency. By collaborating with certified suppliers, supporting artisan communities, and staying informed about certifications like Oeko-Tex, individuals can make informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable future in the textile industry.… Read More how to source fabrics sustainably from around the world-is it possible?

rbakewell46