Tom Isaacs

^{Images: Courtesy of the City of Ryde. Documentation of How It Feels workshop, Westward Cottage, Ryde, 2026.}

Building on my recent workshop series, How It Feels (facilitated through Ryde council as part of my 12 month residency at Westward Cottage), I am extending an invitation to the people of Ryde to join me in creating a collaborative community textile artwork.

What: You are invited to contribute to the creation of a large textile work capturing the many different feelings experienced by the people of Ryde — a bit like a heat map of feelings. The work will be made up of individual blocks (max. 30 x 30 cm) contributed by members of the public. Each block should be inspired by one or more feelings experienced by the person making the block. This might be something you’re feeling right now, a feeling that holds particular significance for you, or, perhaps, whatever feelings come up while you’re making the block. Your block can be abstract, representational, or anywhere in between. All contributors will be acknowledged as co-authors of the final work.

Why: This project is an invitation to explore your own creativity and self-expression. Feelings can be difficult to put into words, but art offers a powerful way to communicate our inner experience. I want to honour the rich creative and emotional life of the people of Ryde.

Who: People of any age with a connection to Ryde — anyone who lives, studies, or works in the area.

How: Your block should be made from a material that can be sewn together into a collaborative textile work. It can involve multiple layers of material, glued or stitched together, and embellished with stitching or drawing. You can make your block at home. However, if you’d like support, materials, or tools, you’re welcome to drop in to the residency space during my open hours* (Thursday and Friday, 2–4pm) or contact me to arrange another time.

*I will be away on Thu & Fri, 17-18 September.

Where: Westward Cottage, 8 Turner St, Ryde 2112.

When: A public showing of the finished work will take place from 2-4pm on Saturday 24 October at Westward Cottage. To make that happen, I’d love to receive your finished block by Saturday, 3 October. You can drop your block at Westward Cottage between open studio hours* (Thursday and Friday, 2–4pm) or contact me to arrange another time.

*I will be away on Thu & Fri, 17-18 September.