We spoke to artist Misako Nakahira about her creative practice and the inspirations behind her work featured in our current exhibition Line/Loop/Line, showing at the Australian Tapestry Workshop until February 2024.

How did you get into making art?

I discovered textile art when I was a student. I wanted to express myself freely using weaving techniques, so I decided to create artwork.

Who or what inspires you to create?

I'm inspired to create when I encounter new colours, motifs and materials. I also find it challenging to translate them into weaving techniques.

What does your practice involve – what techniques do you use in your work?

I used the tapestry technique, the loom was a horizontal loom. The loom had width restrictions, so I made three parts and joined them together at the end.

What does a day in the studio look like?

I commute to the studio from Richmond every day and work full time. The materials and looms are different from those in Japan, so there are many new discoveries.I'm very excited to use them to create works. I also spend time with the ATW weavers throughout the day. It's great to see their work up close and I really respect them.

How does your work in this exhibition relate to your practice and where it is heading?

'Crossing' is the first practice on the theme of overlapping patterns and colours. And there are two things I want to practise in the future. First, I'm interested in sculpture, so I want to make tapestries that can be enjoyed from all directions. And then I'll practice making new colours at the ATW residency.

‘Line/Loop/Line’ is open to the public to view 1-5pm, Tuesday – Saturday until 2 Feb 2024.

View the ‘Line/Loop/Line’ exhibition page here.