ABOUT
ARTIST STATEMENT:
Astra is a UK based textile artist exploring the intersection of textiles, light, colour, nature and spirituality, through various disciplines encompassing light installation, textile wall sculpture, outdoor temporary art and participatory art.
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The aim of her work is to align with a deeper connection to nature, imagination and the collective, seeing her art not just as personal expression but as a voice for the planet.
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Astra's process is intuitive, focussing on fabric manipulation to craft imaginative, botanical creations. Entering flow states she creates from a place of play and curiosity where colours, textures and sculptural shapes come alive, revealing what forms to make. It’s an exciting process where each piece emerges uniquely, shaped by an alchemy of intuition and exploration.
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Astra is drawn to textiles as a medium because she loves the way they force her to be bold, playful and imaginative, creating sculptural shapes that transcend traditional canvas boundaries, and provide sensory richness. Her deep love of colour draws her to work with hyper-bright palettes, bringing vibrancy and light to the world. Her preference for up-cycled fabrics aligns with a commitment to environmental consciousness and sustainable art making, infusing her practice with a sense of responsibility.
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Before becoming an artist, Astra worked as a circus performer, using physicality as her primary mode of expression. Later she transitioned into teaching, founding an aerial dance school and sharing her expertise for over a decade. Astra is passionate about Participatory Art as it merges her love for teaching and creativity. She is especially drawn to collaborative installation work, as she believes in the power of collective creativity and cultivating a sense of connection, teamwork and shared achievement with students.
ARTIST BIO
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
Astra’s passion for art began in childhood and continued through her education, earning her a distinction in Art Foundation. She initially pursued a degree in 3D Design (Wood, Metal, Ceramics, and Plastics) but found the technical approach restrictive. Taking a year to travel, she later returned to complete a diploma in Fashion and Textiles.
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Rather than immediately pursuing a career in art, she was drawn to the world of circus, exploring physicality as a form of self-expression. Specializing in aerial disciplines, she performed on cloudswing, doubles trapeze, hoop, and silks. She was also known for her ground-based act, Match Girl, featuring a giant matchbox and pyrotechnic matches. During this time, she created numerous costumes, further honing her textile skills.
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Her journey then shifted from performing to teaching, leading her to found Skylab Studio, an aerial dance school in Camden, London. With a natural talent for teaching and a passion for sharing her expertise, she successfully ran the studio as both director and instructor for six years, until it was forced to close during the pandemic.
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It was then that Astra returned to her first love - art, finding solace in working with colour once again. Receiving an Arts Council award has enabled her to refine and develop her artistic voice. Embracing a multidisciplinary approach, she is now eager to share her work with new and diverse audiences including festivals, galleries and events in the coming year.​