Jacqueline Irwin South Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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I am a mixed media artist with a background in textiles, creating decorative gallery pieces that combine stitch, print, and paint. My work is rooted in traditional techniques, but I am drawn to pushing their boundaries—experimenting with form, material, and context—while maintaining a deep respect for the authentic skills and heritage they represent.

I wrote and illustrated a children’s book that tells a story about difference, ambition, and acceptance. The main character, Cloth Ears, has connected with a wide range of people, and the book has been used in schools and teacher training sessions to help open up conversations about anxiety and hidden challenges in young children. It’s also been purchased by parents of children facing issues around identity, disability, or bullying. Creating Cloth Ears was my first real experience of developing and sharing my own creative work, and it showed me the power of storytelling to reach and support others. I’ve been developing a body of work around Cloth Ears, exploring the character and themes through print, painting, and stitch. While I feel confident and experienced in my role as an educator—able to speak openly about young people and the challenges they face—stepping into the art world has felt like starting over. As an artist, I’m still finding my voice and identity. It’s an exciting but vulnerable place to be—like being newly born—full of potential but also uncertainty.