Nina Brabbins graduated from the RSN Degree, BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery, in 2018, specialising in Textile Art. In her second and third year, she started to explore stitch in a more conceptual/broader term, combing it with experimental basket weaving. Her final collection of work was entitled ‘Sea Change’ which was the springboard for the direction her work has taken since graduation.
Her jewellery and baskets looks at how this lack of connectivity with the natural world is resulting in the ever-growing environmental issue of plastic waste both on the land and in the oceans. By perversely beautifying ghost nets and beach detritus, Nina questions the problems of our throw away culture. With instant gratification at our fingertips and with most of us living a fast paced, highly stressful life style, Nina thinks it is important to slow down and take a breath and appreciate traditional crafts such as embroidery and basketry.