Saira Baig West Yorkshire, United Kingdom

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West Yorkshire-based, multidisciplinary artist with an MA in Visual Arts. I am exploring themes of self and co-existence with nature whilst developing a new body of work. This consists of a series of paintings and hand-drawn line art.

The work I produce brings together textiles, screen printing, linocut, hand embroidery and machine stitching to distort and manipulate the natural forms of age rings created by trees, with some becoming almost unrecognisable. I have used these materials, techniques, and processes to represent the manipulation and damage done to nature by humans. It is a commentary on how deforestation is destroying incredibly important ecosystems and how we are forcing nature to adapt to live amongst us rather than accepting that we too are part of nature and we need to live harmoniously with it. We strip trees of the connectivity and environments they need to thrive.

Throughout this current body of work, I have developed and strengthened my connections with nature. I have also gained a better understanding of the deep-rooted connections between trees and the networks they create to support each other, which is comparable to the way we as humans live. Trees are vital to our existence and can play a key part in climate change. Conversations around environmental conservation are more important than ever and we need to continue working together to create a better future.

I try to use recycled/ found materials wherever possible when creating my artwork. I feel this pushes me to think outside the box and to experiment more when creating.

- Ones to Watch exhibition at Sunny Bank Mills - March - May 2022 - Leeds Summer Group Show June 2022 - Fronteer Art Gallery Textile Exhibition 2022 - Trapezium Gallery - Adventures of Collective exhibition 2023 - Saltaire Arts Trail Open house 2023