Meet Loops Artist Andi Walker

Andi Walker is a Leeds based artist, specialising in constructed textiles. Here they tell us more about their involvement with the Loops exhibition.

My practice falls into three distinct but interconnected fields: materials, ink & cloth.  I work with a variety of materials, both hard and soft. My use of ink is two-fold: as a medium for drawing and for conceptualising innovative fabrics & garments. These works are primarily designed for the human body.

Live performances play a crucial role in presenting my work, from interactive public engagements within gallery spaces to staged performative events. Storytelling and fostering conversations remain central themes throughout my practice.

How did you get involved with the exhibition Loops?

I saw the callout and applied.

How did you find responding to the theme of loops?

Responding to the theme of “loops” was both challenging and deeply transformative. The collaborative nature of the project, with each of us working separately yet bound by a shared concept, felt like trying to weave a fabric with threads that never quite touched.

I was lucky to be near Hannah Robson, which gave us the chance to meet up, talk through our ideas, and spark each other’s creativity in person. Those conversations became a critical loop of their own, a cycle of feedback and inspiration that shaped our work in unexpected ways. It reminded me of the power of human connection in art – how the exchange of ideas can break open new pathways and push you beyond familiar ground.

Ultimately, this process was a reminder that creative loops are rarely neat or predictable. They twist and turn, overlap and stretch, forcing you to confront your own boundaries and expand them. It was a powerful, sometimes messy, but ultimately deeply rewarding experience.

What loops inspired your work in the exhibition?

My initial inspiration came from the Mills’ connection to textiles and its legacy in cloth production. It was important for me to reference garments and the human body, acknowledging the intimate relationship between fabric and the forms it eventually clothes.

One piece in the exhibition is an “unmade suit,” a conceptual nod to the Mills’ history of producing high-end suiting fabric. Although the Mills itself never manufactured finished garments, it crafted the raw materials that formed the backbone of this industry. The unmade suit symbolizes this untapped potential, capturing the tension between creation and absence, structure and fluidity.

Another element in my work draws on the construction details of garments. I extended and transformed the placket from a shirt into a continuous loop, creating a rhythmic, sculptural form. By incorporating buttonholes and shirt collar studs, I aimed to play with the repetitive yet varied nature of loops, reflecting both the physical and metaphorical cycles present in the Mills’ history.

This approach allowed me to bridge the past and present, weaving together the Mills’ industrial heritage with a more fluid, contemporary artistic expression.

What is special to you about the exhibition Loops?

For me, the most special part of the exhibition “Loops” was the chance to work with Sunny Bank Mills again – a place that has always inspired my creative practice. Being part of this exhibition meant reconnecting with the Mills’ rich history while also engaging with a vibrant community of artists.

Collaboration is at the heart of this project, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to share ideas, push creative boundaries, and find unexpected connections in each other’s work. The process reminded me of the power of collective creativity, where the energy and insights of others spark new directions and deeper meanings in my own pieces.

It’s this blending of voices, histories, and perspectives that makes “Loops” feel truly special – a celebration of creative exchange and artistic growth.

Have you ever worked collaboratively as an artist before? What have been the challenges and joys this time, or for the first time? 

This project marked my first experience working collaboratively in a remote setting, which introduced a unique set of challenges. Navigating different communication styles, and the absence of in-person connection required adaptability and patience. However, it also opened up exciting opportunities to blend diverse perspectives and creative energies.

While I often collaborate in person, this remote experience reminded me of the powerful synergy that comes from cross-pollination in the arts. It encourages innovation, pushes boundaries, and fosters a deeper sense of connection, even from a distance. Despite the hurdles, it was deeply rewarding to witness how our ideas came together to form something truly unique.

What has been your experience of creating art at Sunny Bank Mills? 

Creating art at Sunny Bank Mills is always inspiring and enriching. The Mills’ historic architecture, with its textured history, provides a uniquely atmospheric backdrop that naturally fuels creativity. It’s a place where the echoes of craftsmanship and industry blend seamlessly with the energy of contemporary art, making every moment spent here feel significant.

Equally impactful is the community at Sunny Bank Mills. The team is remarkably supportive, bringing warmth, generosity, and genuine care to every interaction. Their encouragement has helped me push my creative boundaries and feel truly connected to this vibrant artistic hub.

Being part of this process has reminded me of the power of place in shaping art, and I’m deeply grateful for the connections and inspiration it has fostered.

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