Cara Haley
South West Arts
My name is Cara Haley. My journey into art began when my grandmother taught me how to sew at the age of 10, sparking a passion for textiles that has only grown since then. I’m currently in my final year of schooling and plan to continue studying textiles and design at university, though I’m mostly self-taught, I have honed my skills through experimentation, exploration of techniques, and learning from the knowledge of those around me.
I would describe my journey as fated, yet driven, bringing me immense joy and a deep passion. It’s something I know will keep evolving as I continue to develop.
I primarily work with textiles, exploring both fashion—whether clothing or costuming—and 2D textile painting. These mediums allow me to reflect on transformation and cycles, particularly the sustainability aspects of fashion. It’s fascinating to take a simple piece of fabric and turn it into something wearable that people can enjoy. Recently, I’ve been experimenting with sheer fabrics and layering, considering how adding elements can change the meaning or concept of pre-existing forms.
Nature, human experience, and identity are recurring themes in my work, often influenced by the world around me and the creativity of others. I draw inspiration from various time periods, films, and the beauty of nature, especially when working on costume projects.
Currently, I’m developing my HSC body of work, using prior knowledge and reflection on past art to guide my creations. I hope my work evokes transformation, joy, and inspiration, allowing viewers to bring their own context to what they see. Moving forward, I’m excited to explore more aspects of textiles, from styling to how fabrics move, while continuing to expand my skills and knowledge.
Links
Cara’s Creative Work
Time laps of working
Artwork description
Horizons Program Overview, 2024, Creative work and photographs from Cara’s time in the Horizons Program
Time Laps of Working, 2024, Progress video of beading and textiles
Artist Statement
My work is often inspired by the natural environment, daily surroundings, and the connections I observe. I find ideas in what I see daily and also draw inspiration from the media and the work of other artists in this program.
While I don’t rely heavily on symbolism, I often reference film costuming, especially the Regency style seen in works like Bridgeton, and I interpret nature through fabrics. My recent projects explore fabric manipulation and recycled materials, where I experiment with techniques like needle felting and fabric burning, creating textures and effects that shape each piece’s final look.
Participating in this program has helped to refine my technical skills and consider compositional choices more thoughtfully. These pieces reflect my growth in both technical skill and conceptual strength of my work. Moving forward, I would like to continue exploring textile design, focusing on how fabrics interact with both the natural world and movement. Building on this foundation, I hope to grow my portfolio and deepen my knowledge of fashion design.