In this episode, we hear from textile artist Russell Barratt, a self‑taught maker celebrated for his bold, joyful quilted artworks crafted entirely from second hand fabrics and repurposed clothing. Rooted in memory, domestic life, and a lifelong DIY ethos, Russell’s practice embraces recycling not just as a material choice but as a creative philosophy.
Russell shares how his background in fashion, costume, and garment conceptual design shaped his approach to colour, texture, and composition. Born in Edinburgh and now based in London, Russell reflects on his influences such as 1980s aesthetics, club culture, knotting, and recycling informed his evolving style. We explore his signature “high‑volume joy,” the emotional resonance of cloth, and the tension between maximalism and empty space that defines his work.
Episode recorded on 19 January 2026.
Website: russellbarratt.com
Instagram: @russelljamesbarratt
Podcast details:
Podcast email: artiststalespodcast@gmail.com
Website: www.artiststales.net
Instagram: @artists_tales_podcast
Threads: @artists_tales_podcast
