After graduating from Edinburgh College of Art with a degree in Tapestry, Alison Folland began a career teaching art at secondary school level while continuing to develop her own creative practice.
At the heart of Alison's work is a fascination with stories, memories and the connections between people, places and objects. Her work explores how everyday items can hold fragments of the past, evoking personal histories, forgotten moments and stories waiting to be rediscovered.
Working predominantly with reclaimed and found materials, including vintage books, maps, music scores, fabric, lace and buttons, Alison transforms familiar objects into delicate, imaginative artworks. Each material carries traces of its own history, bringing an additional layer of meaning to the finished piece.
Her inspiration comes from a rich variety of sources: personal memories, family histories, overheard conversations, stories shared by others, fairy tales and folklore. She is particularly interested in how stories are passed from one generation to another, offering comfort, wisdom, warnings and explanations of the world around us.
Combining traditional techniques such as hand stitching and paper cutting with collage and mixed media, Alison creates both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works. The tactile nature of her practice is central to her creative process, allowing her to physically manipulate materials and breathe new life into objects that might otherwise be discarded.
In recent years, clothing has become a recurring theme, particularly the dress. Rich in symbolism, dresses offer endless possibilities for exploring identity, femininity, memory and personal histories. Her work also includes corsets, jackets, shoes, framed artworks, jewellery and handmade cards, alongside individually commissioned pieces.
Through the thoughtful layering of materials, textures and imagery, Alison creates artworks that invite viewers to pause, look more closely and discover the stories hidden within.
"Every object has a history, every material holds a memory, and every piece has a story to tell."
