Blog
Why I Make
Posted: August 2025
I work as an artist, facilitator, and founder of Retroreworx. My practice is hands-on and rooted in reuse, collaboration, and making things that serve a purpose — whether that’s in a workshop, an artwork, or a secondhand garment.
I’m interested in materials with a history. Found objects, vintage fabric, and surplus stock often find their way into my work. It’s less about nostalgia, more about working with what’s already here — creatively and responsibly.
This journal is where I’ll share short reflections on projects, process, and practice. Sometimes it’ll be a quick studio update. Sometimes a look at what’s going on behind the scenes with Retroreworx or a workshop. Nothing fancy — just a record of the work as it happens.
More soon.
– Kate
July 2025
Dance and creativity sessions for young people with learning disabilities in Herefordshire. A workshop where participants created sometime to move and create dance with.
June 2025
A book that has taken 20 years of thought, but is finally a reality. After a conversation with a 4 year old boy, the chicken chicken was born. A tale of learning who you are.
May 2025
One of my reimagined vintage kimonos is off to its new owner. A beautiful dusty pink kimono with a chrysanthemum print. When it arrived with me it was full length with one sleeve missing. Several winter evenings were spent recreating a sleeve. All hand sewn.
April 2025
One of the items I decided to sell after much consideration was a tin of very old negatives which belonged to my grandfather. My plan was always to develop them myself, but life rarely goes to plan and realised I would never have to time. they were bought by a gentleman called Pim in the Netherlands with a note in the tin just saying "If you want to know more about the people in the negatives, get in touch". Pim's hobby is to digitally process old negatives. This sale was the beginning of a friendship and discovering my family in a way I had never seen them before.
March 2025
Not quite spring, but the first opportunity of the year to see the sea. Time for me to send hours sketching seaweed for no other reason than I enjoy it.
February 2025
The long dark nights give me the opportunity to repair some beautiful vintage kimonos which will be for sell later in the year. This stunner has the most beautiful inky watercolour willow tree design.