Our community: Christina Drennan

As a textile artist and community workshop facilitator, Christina is showing people how to reuse materials, rethink waste, and transform leftover fibres and fabrics into something meaningful. Shortlisted for last year's Full Circle Awards, she creates woven art from fabric scraps and brings them to life through weave and embroidery. Using traditional loom techniques allows her to turn these reclaimed materials into wall hangings and soft furnishings.

“Working with textiles made me aware of how much fabric and fibre is discarded. I wanted to show that these materials still have value.”

“Circular activities became a natural part of my practice, using what already exists, honouring natural fibres, and helping others see how offcuts and scraps can become the starting point for new work,” says Christina.

Reshaping materials and minds

People in Ireland have been returning to craft in different ways in recent years. There is a real shift happening around reconnecting with the traditional handiwork of local areas and shining a light on them. Many crafts come from a background of repair and reuse, and Christina’s work also brings this to the forefront. An old jumper becomes yarn again, sewing scraps are reimagined through weaving.

While craft is gaining steady popularity again, there is still work to be done in connecting people to making with their hands. Christina wants to bridge the gap by helping people reconnect with the value of handmade craft.

“Many people don’t realise how much potential lies in old denim, leftover fabric, or raw fleece. My workshops encourage people to rethink what they throw out and to see creativity as a way to keep materials in use for longer.”

Much of this work is changing minds, reframing what people consider to be waste. Christina talks about how during one circular workshop, participants brought old jeans and scraps they thought were useless. By the end of the session, they had created strong and beautiful tote bags from recycled denim and fabrics.

“Seeing their work, and hearing them say they would never look at “waste” the same way again, showed me how powerful circular creativity can be.”

Reflecting nature and tradition

Christina draws from the generations of makers who worked with intention and respect for materials in the past. The tactile organic application of her work reveals naturalistic influences. It is hard not to be inspired by those who take part in her classes and workshop. Christina cites their curiosity and willingness to try new things as another inspiration for her practice.

While hubs like the one Christina has created are valuable in our communities, more support is needed. “When people have access to tools, materials, and shared knowledge, circular practices become easier, more social, and more sustainable,” says Christina.

Creating spaces for people to get hands on with circular activities is really important for changing behaviours. Experiencing circularity in a practical, creative way is key.

“Circularity becomes something they can feel, not just a concept.”

Transforming the future of art

Looking at the year ahead, Christina would love to run more community workshops and find a regular location for sessions. She wants to “continue developing textile artworks that highlight natural fibres and creative reuse. I also want to expand how leftover workshop materials are transformed into new art pieces, like those shown in the Underestimated & What Can You See exhibitions.”

Would you like to join one of Christina’s classes? Keep an eye on her events page for any new workshops she has coming up.

Stay up to date with Christina’s exhibitions and projects on Irishhandmade.ie