Mexican textile artist Paulina Nieto Canterbury has developed her own techniques involving beading and weave to create richly coloured textured art pieces. Her work “embodies historical and environmental events which have significantly impacted our society.”

Firstly where did you grow up and where do you live now? 

I was born in Queretaro, Mexico in 1996, and grew up in Cancun. I completed my BFA at Miami International University of Art & Design in Miami, Florida at the end of 2019. Afterwards, I moved back to Mexico, where continue my practice from my studio in Mexico City. 

What is your background in textiles?

I never had access to any type of textile art programs while at university, yet I’ve always been drawn towards mixed media art. This led me to develop a passion for developing a new technique that looks as complex as embroidery yet it’s composed by paper, pins and beads. Later on, I incorporated a technique similar to weaving to my practice as well. 

What is it about textiles as an art form that appeals to you? 

I’ve always been influenced by the skill and proficiency from the small specialist workshops preserving the expertise and craftsmanship from our past. In addition, growing up with an intense admiration to craftsmanship, passed on by my mother who still plays a big role in my art career by assisting my practice at my studio. My objective is to achieve the same level of mastery and impact early artistry brought to existence. 

What techniques do you use?

I developed my own techniques for my works, one of them appears similar to embroidery yet utilizes paper, pins and beads as well as another that resembles weaving. Developing a sense of curiosity in the way we approach art, as well as the relevance of incorporating unexpected materials and developing new techniques in the art world is extremely important to me. 

How do you describe your work? 

Revisiting matters related to perception, my work embodies historical and environmental events which have significantly impacted our society. Although my latest works can appear colorful on the outside, they can also harbor darker realities. Perspective has always played an important role in my practice, hence the fixation on achieving multiple impressions of each artwork through the interaction with man-made light sources, as well as UV light by generating different arrays of complex shadows and colors. Some of my works also feature iridescent and glow-in-the-dark materials. 

How do you create a piece? 

I gather the materials, test various colour palettes, mark the area where the weave will be placed, and once the medium is selected the rest is based on feeling. 

Where do you find inspiration? 

My biggest inspiration is nature, complex craftsmanship in any medium, as well as baroque architecture. 

I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take? 

Around four to six months. 

What are you most proud of in your art career so far? 

I’m proud of how much my technique has evolved throughout my career and the community I’ve built on my socials that continue to support my practice. 

Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists? 

Innovate, explore ancient and new textile techniques to develop your own, lastly never loose your curious spirit that made you choose this artistic path in the first place. 

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