We recently welcomed Rebecca Diele to the ATW as our current Artist in Residence. We had a chat with Rebecca about her practice, studio routines and ambitions for her residency at ATW.

Who or what inspires you to create?

Creating has always felt like a natural, almost instinctive response to the world around me. Even before I recognised it as a possible direction to pursue, I saw the world through a lens of interconnected forms, colours, concepts, and philosophies: it's simply how my mind operates. I feel fortunate to follow this path, which feels like the only choice for me. I'm constantly inspired by relationality and how everything connects and fits together. There’s a unique thrill in weaving these connections, balancing philosophy, emotion, beauty, and the making process into a cohesive expression.

What does a day in the studio look like?

My studio days are marked by a steady rhythm of endurance and repetition. I begin with 25 minutes of meditation to centre my focus, setting a calm and intentional tone. From there, I organise and chart the colours, sequences, and stitching patterns for the day’s work. Currently, my full attention is dedicated to a 3 x 2 meter commissioned piece, which demands precision and immersion in each step of the process.

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

My practice is grounded in both structured technique and intentional disruption. I often begin with repetitive, controlled actions, such as stitching or mark-making, creating a sense of order and rhythm. But I embrace the beauty of interruption, allowing external forces—like material resistance, human error, or environmental factors—to influence and transform the work. This approach ties together structure and spontaneity, embodying the tension between control and release, precision and fluidity. The resulting pieces reveal layers of complexity within systems, often reflecting themes of relationality, transformation, and resilience.

What do you hope to gain from your residency at the ATW, and how does this align with your current practice and future direction?

During my residency at the Australian Tapestry Workshop, I hope to immerse myself in the tactile and rhythmic processes of weaving, discovering new ways to integrate tradition with experimentation. I’m especially interested in exploring the concept of bell-ringing: its resonance, sequence, and communal aspects and how these elements can inform my practice. This residency aligns with my ongoing interest in relationality, connecting the layered, methodical nature of tapestry with my exploration of rhythm, interruption, and harmony in art.