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University of Derby   2006/2007

Sharon Porteous

Based in the Midlands, Sharon has developed a technique of making textiles through recycling mainly waste plastic carrier bags. Traditional yarn, strips of plastic and other reclaimed materials are woven on a four-shaft floor loom. This highly textured material is then pressed with heat to bond its surface.

The unique material produced is transformed into functional, as well as purely decorative, objects. This hand made fabric often goes unrecognised as being recycled. Fashion and interior accessories are exhibited and made to commission.

Work has been purchased for the following collections: The Crafts Council, London; Abingdon Museum, Oxford; and Bankfield Museum, Halifax.

As part of the AA2A project, Sharon intends to use her time at Derby to develop her use of recycled materials alongside woven and heat pressed techniques whilst experimenting with dye processes and ways of cutting.

Extract from a University Press Release:

"It is a great opportunity to be able to have access and time to develop my idea. I am using dyeing facilities, laser cutters and other equipment to create even more exciting designs and hopefully the opportunity to develop more products.

Currently, my designs are restricted to the colour of the plastic bag I use so successfully using dyes will create further variety. I also hope to learn how to cut through layers of fabric using laser to offer further design possibilities.”

Sharon’s work has been featured across the country, and examples of her work has been bought by The Crafts Council, London Abingdon Museum, Oxford; and Bankfield Museum, Halifax, for their public collections.