About

‘Flax Piece #1’ is a performance piece by artist Shane Waltener which highlights the process of making flax into thread. 

The action of breaking, scutching, hackling and spinning on various tools, some of them handmade and including a drop spindle and spinning wheel, is accompanied by a live sound score performed by artist and musician Merlin Nova. The performance is followed by a talk about growing local cloth and sustainable textiles as well as embodied making practices.

There is also the chance to see a textiles exhibition by Almha McCartan and Morgan Martin, a showcase of a body of work produced during their recently completed residency as part of Craft Central’s graduate support scheme. This is on view in the Craft Central gallery from 3–16 May.

About Shane Waltener
Shane Waltener is an artist and maker. His practice draws inspiration from craft practices, from ceramics to textiles and basketry weaving. The work is rooted in ideas of ecology and reuse. He is an associate lecturer in design at the University of the Arts London, an associate artist with Entelechy Arts, member of the Ambient Jam collective, co-founder of Common Agency Projects and co-author of Practical Basketry techniques (A&C Black).