Lauren C Naylor South Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Hello, I’m Lauren — a contemporary textile artist based in Sheffield. Through slow, mindful stitching, I weave colour, texture, and emotion into fabric — a meditative escape and a form of self-expression. My art celebrates sustainability, nature, craftmanship, and the beauty of creating simply for the joy of it.
Textile art, to me, is a form of expression — pure escapism and a space where I can drift away within colour. I practise the method of slow stitching, a meditative process that helps me escape life’s restraints, keeping my hands busy and my mind calm.
My background is in fashion, with an MA in Accessories Design specialising in luxury goods. After leaving the industry to work with individuals with complex needs, I discovered a new kind of joy in creating purely for the sake of it. Making art is no longer my job — it’s my freedom. I create in quiet moments around my three children and full-time role, embracing creativity without pressure, only fulfilment.
I’m drawn to colour, texture, and the tactility of hand-made fabrics. I specialise in hand-dyeing techniques to create the backgrounds of my pieces and hand embroidery inspired by traditional methods from Africa, India and Mexico. I’ve been making for as long as I can remember, guided and inspired by my nana, who continues to teach me.
My art is intended to be thought-provoking, environmentally conscious, and sustainable. I work exclusively with reclaimed materials that are biodegradable, aiming to challenge perspectives, spark connection, and encourage positive change.
I create as if dancing in the dark when no one is watching — because art is good for my soul. If I can’t sell my art, I decorate my home with it. I create because it’s my passion, because it gets me through the day, because it brings calm, connection, and purpose.
Thanks for viewing my work. For questions, enquiries, or just to say hello, feel free to contact me — I’m always happy to connect.
Artwork
'Cellular 3', Textile, 2025, £550
'Cellular 2', Textile, 2025, £600
'Disobedience', Textile, 2025, £395
'Liberation', Textile, 2024, £650
Cellular , Textile, 2025, £650
'Fragility 3', Textile, 2023, £350
'Fragility', Textiles, 2022, NFS
' Centre of the Universe', Textiles, 2023, £500
' Relic', Textiles, 2023, £600
'Threaded Memories', Textiles, 2023, NFS
'Tree of Life', Textile, 2022, £350
'Family Tree', Textile and wood, 2024, £450
Projects and exhibitions
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Nether Edge Festival and Art Trail14/09/2025 I will be exhibiting my artwork and handmade political pins as a stallholder at the NEF Art Trail, alongside fellow members of Art Through Textiles, where I also serve as a committee member. This is an annual event, and it will be my third time participating in the NEF Art Trail. |
Ryle Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield | Details | |
Stitched Stories08/07/2025 — 13/07/2025 An intimate group exhibition showcasing contemporary textiles crafted by individuals united by their love for making, creativity, and friendship—brought together through the connections their art fosters. Each maker shares a unique story through their work. |
The Open Gallery, Sheffield | Details | |
Reflections24/03/2025 — 30/03/2025 The annual group exhibition by Art Through Textiles presents a collection of contemporary textile works, each offering a personal interpretation of the theme Reflections. |
Dronfield Hall Barn, Dronfield | Details | |
Contemporary Textiles18/02/2025 — 06/03/2025 A group exhibition showcasing the brilliance of contemporary textiles by artists based in the UK. I exhibited my piece, 'Cellular 3' alongside some great fibre artists. |
Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield | Details | |
24th Open04/01/2025 — 04/02/2025 A virtual reality group exhibition showcasing contemporary artwork by mixed media artists. This was the first time I participated in a virtual art gallery, giving viewers the opportunity to navigate the gallery space and experience my work alongside pieces by other exhibiting artists. The format allowed audiences to explore the artworks in a... [Read more] |
Circular ArtSpace, Bristol | Details | |
The Fronteer Open 202420/11/2024 — 07/12/2024 Are prize and group exhibition, showcasing contemporary artwork from UK based artists. I exhibited my piece, 'Austerity' |
The Fronteer Gallery, Sheffield | Details | |
'Flora'09/07/2024 — 27/07/2024 The Flora exhibition showcases a captivating collection of works celebrating the beauty and diversity of plant life. It features a range of mixed media including textiles, photography, sculpture and oil paintings. The exhibition highlights the enduring fascination artists have with the natural world, offering a fresh perspective on the... [Read more] |
The Open Gallery, Halifax | Details | |
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'Signs of Spring'17/02/2024 — ongoing To celebrate spring, the Kreiva Art Gallery in Bridlington on the East coast is curating a group exhibition titled 'Signs of Spring'. I will be exhibiting two of my pieces within this exhibition and you can look forward to seeing examples of my hand batik and screen-printing techniques, as well as hand-embroidery and beading work. As a group... [Read more] |
The Krevia Art Gallery, Bridlington | Details |
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'Meet the Locals'31/01/2024 — ongoing A group based exhibition celebrating the local artists of Sheffield and South Yorkshire. My piece, 'Threaded Memories' will be exhibited. |
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield | Details |
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'Ruby'27/05/2023 — 04/06/2023 The Art Through Textiles Group, 40th anniversary. A group exhibition featuring 2D & 3D contemporary textiles. My piece 'Centre of the Universe' was exhibited. |
The Art Room, Barlow | Details |
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'A Sense of Space'18/06/2022 — 26/06/2022 The Art Through Textiles Group. A Group exhibition featuring contemporary 2D & 3D textiles artwork. My pieces, 'Fragility' and 'Tree of Life' where exhibited. |
The Art Room, Barlow | Details |
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'The Fronteer Open 2023'01/11/0023 — 18/11/0023 Art Prize and group exhibition. I exhibited my piece, 'A Relic Revered' |
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield | Details |
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'Nether Edge Festival and Art Trail'16/09/0023 'Nether Edge Festival Art Trail', celebrating art made by local artists. A group exhibition by Art Through Textiles, I exhibited my artwork, clothing and accessories within the beautiful gardens alongside other local artists. |
Rye Road, Nether Edge, S7, Sheffield | Details |
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'Urban Jungle'25/05/0023 — 10/06/0023 A group exhibition featuring over 45 UK based artists, all looking at the urban environment. My piece, 'Fragility' was exhibited. |
The Fronteer Art Gallery, Sheffield | Details |