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
Join me at one of my textile workshops, for the White Ribbon Community Banner project .
Many thanks to Gwent OPCC for commissioning me to curate this Project; these workshops are free, with an optional donation to the White Ribbon campaign on the day.
These workshops are offered as a safe and welcoming space for women, and I can accommodate up to 12 participants. All materials will be provided - you are also welcome to bring your own sewing kits if you wish, and any pieces of material you wish to use in your design.
You can sew images, words, patterns, etc., on your textile piece; if possible, please plan beforehand about what you may like to create on the day, though we will be on hand to help you too.
Once completed, this banner will be exhibited at the Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre in Newport, as part of their 16 day exhibition to mark White Ribbon Day.
To book your preferred date, please click on the booking link.
These are the dates and venues, which include a break for lunch :
Tues 20th October, 10am - 2pm. The Wool Croft, 14 Nevill Street, Abergavenny NP7 5AD
Fri 23rd October, 10am - 2pm, EVI, Church Street, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6BE
Mon 26th October, 1pm - 5pm, Magor and Undy Hub, Main Road, Caldicot, NP26, 3GD
Tues 27th October, 10am - 2pm, Cwmbran Library, Gwent House, Gwent Square, Cwmbran NP44 1XQ
Thurs 29th October, 10am - 2pm, Newbridge Memo, High Street, Newbridge Np11 4FH
Mon 2nd November, 10am - 2pm, Riverfront Theatre and Arts Centre, Kingsway, Newport, NP20 1HG