Emma Bevan-Henderson
About the artist
Emma Bevan-Henderson is a textile artist and clay sculptor, based in the Brecon Beacons/Bannau Brycheiniog.
Working with clay and textiles allows Emma to explore textures and layers, influenced by cycles, seasons and nature, as well as the Welsh mountains and their ancient stories.
The basis of Emma’s creative practice is connection. This is realised through enablement (coordinating and facilitating community projects) and engagement with materials, both to express her personal narrative and those of the collaborations she curates.
When Emma is not busy creating pieces for exhibitions, projects and commissions, she loves to teach, and runs regular workshops throughout the year across Wales and parts of the UK.
You can visit the Workshops page, or scroll down, to see current workshops and to find out more about these.
You can also arrange your own bespoke workshop dates, for special occasions or just an excuse to meet up with friends… below the workshops decriptions you can read testimonials from previous participants.
Creativity has ebbed and flowed throughout Emma’s life, where previously circumstances had sometimes
distanced it from her, she re-engaged with her creative practice following a life-threatening cancer diagnosis, first encountered in 2011, and another in 2023.
Emma’s work explores the myriad of healing modalities of cloth and clay; each addresses, from different perspectives, the social, political, joyful, and restorative aspects of expressing our narratives and finding resilience, fulfillment, and happiness through creative practice.
Creative Practice
The experiences during Emma’s Master’s in Contemporary Craft have had a tremendously positive impact upon her creative practice; more focused approach, conceptualised processes and observational planning.
Emma is working with clay to produce series of works which examine relationships with the environment, emotions, and memories, expressed in organic and abstract ways.
Emma’s textile-based contemporary art projects use collective making to explore voice, community, and feminist modes of collectivity, whether to amplify her own narrative, or to work with groups who wish to amplify theirs.
The MA has helped Emma develop her critical thinking, refine her processes, and work towards defining her creative journey, as well as deepening her joy.
Emma hopes that others will join her in celebrating the joyous and commemorating the difficult, and firmly beleives in the magic that can happen when groups of women create together.
Upcoming workshops
Testimonials
“I’ve never tried any kind of felting before – a complete beginner in every sense of the word. The workshop was brilliant, so much choice of materials in incredible colours, the day was extremely well thought out, accommodating beginners like me, yet providing a setting where more experienced felters could also get the most from it. Emma managed to find that perfect balance of offering tuition, guidance and help, or letting us guide ourselves when we needed/wanted to. It was a very relaxing and creative day, fab venue and a nice group of people; allowing everyone to have some 1-1 time with Emma as well. I loved the workshop and was so proud of what I managed to achieve with my day, definitely worth it and would highly recommend Emma as a teacher and artist.” Martine Finlay
“Needle felting yesterday with Ems (Emma Bevan) was a great workshop and might try my own stuff now – on wet or winter days! VERY lucky to have Denmark Farm Conservation Centre just 10mins down the road – great place to meet like-minded people, study or craft all day in a peaceful location.” Shelagh Yeomans
”It was a lovely afternoon...Thank you for teaching us how to create awesome felty creations X”
C. Brooks, BBPNA
”Huge thanks to you Emma for a brill morning wet felting...Jack and I had a ball!” M. Underwood
”Amazing workmanship and very different to the stuff you normally see”. S. Ellis
I’m excited to announce that I will be running a workshop for this Project, at the lovely venue of Rainmaker Art Studio, in Aberdare!
You are welcome to join us for an afternoon of stitching, where we’ll be working on a square for this community quilt - quilting squares is not compulsory, as you can knit, embroider, or crochet as alternatives.
This Project is collecting and acknowledging women’s stories, memories and lived experiences.
Each square must be 6.5 inches (to include a 1/2 inch hem), with an element of red.
You can create a decorative, or political, or feminist piece, related to yourself, or another woman you know, or to womankind in general. The square can be embroidered with symbols or words if you wish.
All squares are welcome!
The Quilt, when completed, will be displayed and exhibited in exhibitions, shows and women’s groups, helping to raise awareness, inspiration and encouragement.
It will be launched in March 2027 in Monmouthshire, and then tour across Wales.
This workshop will run from 1pm to 4pm, including refreshments, along with access to all my materials, threads and needles etc., though you are very welcome to bring your own if you have a specific colour or design in mind.
The cost per person is £12, which includes all materials, equipment and refreshments.
Details:
Time: 1pm to 4pm
Date: 19th September
Price: £12
Location: Rainmaker Art Studio, 11 Duke Street, Aberdare, CF44 7ED
If not all squares are completed by the end of the workshop, you can post them to me before the end of September at the following address:
Emma Bevan-Henderson
The Makers Studio
Craft Renaissance
Kemeys Commander
NP15 1JU
Many thanks for all your support!
You can read about this and my other community projects on my Community Shawl Project website.