Get to know the artist: Polly Hardman (Westweaves)
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With our pop-up event featuring Westweaves on Thursday, September 19th, we had the pleasure of visiting the talented artist and owner Polly Hardman. Known for her multidisciplinary approach and creative designs, Polly’s unique hand-painted illustrations and upcycled fashion pieces will be available for purchase at Studio S. We sat down with her to discuss her journey, inspirations, and the story behind her vibrant collection. Interview can be found below.✨
What inspired you to start Westweaves and focus on upcycling and clothing renewal?
Westweaves was inspired by my studies in textiles, specifically weaving, at university. The name 'Westweaves' combines 'west,' an English term meaning 'crazy' or 'weird,' with 'weaving,' which I initially focused on. However, I found weaving restrictive when trying to convey my paintings, so I transitioned to painting directly onto clothing. This approach allowed me more creative freedom, and soon, people began asking me to customize jackets for them. I started sourcing jackets or encouraged clients to bring their own, a service I continue to offer today.
Can you walk us through your creative process when transforming a vintage piece into a unique, hand-painted garment?
My creative process varies depending on the piece. If a client requests personalisation, I often draw inspiration from their personal life by asking for anecdotes, memories, and preferences. Some clients provide detailed answers, even right down to specific details like the breed of dog they’re considering. Others simply appreciate the Westweaves style and give me the freedom to go ‘west’ with a few chosen colours.
For pieces created for the online store, my approach is similar but more introspective. I draw from my own experiences, moods, and moments, whether it’s something deeply personal like feelings of sadness or love, or something lighter and spontaneous that I encounter in daily life.
How do you balance the intersection of art and fashion in your work, and how do they influence each other?
For me, it’s not about balancing—art is fashion, and fashion is art. They’re the same! Each piece I create is both a fashion statement and an artistic expression. It just so happens that the canvas I’ve chosen is clothing, which naturally brings fashion into the mix
Sustainability is a key part of Westweaves. How do you ensure that it is incorporated into every aspect of your work?
When you buy a hand-painted piece from Westweaves, you value it in a way that’s different from fast fashion. It’s not like walking into a high street store, buying something one day, and getting bored of it the next. My pieces are meant to be cherished, which naturally promotes sustainability; if a client carries a part of themselves on a bag or a jacket, it’s a moment in time, like a diary.
Interview continues below
What are your main sources of inspiration for your illustrations and patterns, and how do they translate into your customized garments?
Alongside taking inspiration from personal moments, I studied philosophy and classics and college. Learning a lot about ancient greeks and the mythical creatures and gods that go with it was a really inspiring aspect for me in my initial years building the Westweaves style.
Do you have a particular technique or style you prefer when customizing clothing, and why?
I like to have a mix of very detailed sections and more loose abstract bits. This is to form a nice balance
What are your future plans for Westweaves? Are there any new projects or ideas you're currently exploring?
I am a bit of a maximalist when it comes to designing, I know this isn't for everyone; lots of friends and clients have asked for more minimal things such as just the cow with red boots - which is the logo, or just a small motif. I find this type of designing harder than covering a whole jacket, but I am bringing out some new t-shirts that are made with these clients in mind. One of which is designed with Studio S for our pop up on the 19th of September.
What do you hope people feel or experience when they wear a Westweaves piece?
Just feeling sick AF. Badass, giving attitude and spicing up daily life.
