Local textile artist Tom Isaacs was selected for the 2025/2026 Artist-in-Residence Program.
Tom Isaacs is a contemporary artist and academic living on Wallumedegal Land. Through his textile practice, Tom explores themes of, wellbeing, care, and the profound importance of human relationships and connection. Since completing his PhD in 2022, Tom has taught at the University of Sydney and the National Art School. He draws inspiration from diverse sources, including philosophy, poetry, and art history.
The studio space is at Westward Cottage in the heart of Ryde and next to Top Ryde City, at 8 Turner Street Ryde.
We would like to extend an invite out to view the cottage, have a chance to connect with Tom and share your creative practice during our open studio times. Be sure to pop in and check it out!
Community Textile Collaboration
As part of City of Ryde’s Artist-in-Residence program, we were delighted to offer the How It Feels creative series and the opportunity to meet our 2026 artist - Tom Isaacs.
Building on from the recent workshops, we are extending this invitation for you to join Tom in creating a collaborative community textile artwork. Whether you have attended a previous session or did not get a chance to come along, everyone is welcome to join in.
What
You are invited to contribute to the creation of a large textile work capturing the many different feelings experienced by the people of Ryde — a bit like a heat map of feelings. The work will be made up of individual blocks (max. 30 x 30 cm) contributed by members of the public. Each block should be inspired by one or more feelings experienced by the person making the block. This might be something you’re feeling right now, a feeling that holds particular significance for you, or, perhaps, whatever feelings come up while you’re making the block. Your block can be abstract, representational, or anywhere in between. All contributors will be acknowledged as co-authors of the final work.
Why
This project is an invitation to explore your own creativity and self-expression. Feelings can be difficult to put into words, but art offers a powerful way to communicate our inner experience. We want to honour the rich creative and emotional life of the people of Ryde.
Who
People of any age with a connection to Ryde — anyone who lives, studies, or works in the area.
How
Your block should be made from a material that can be sewn together into a collaborative textile work. It can involve multiple layers of material, glued or stitched together, and embellished with stitching or drawing. You can make your block at home. However, if you’d like support, materials, or tools, you’re welcome to drop in to the residency space during studio open hours (Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4pm) or contact Tom to arrange another time.
Where
The final showcase will be held at Westward Cottage, 8 Turner St, Ryde 2112. An invite will be sent after 3 October to provide further details and to register your attendance (please ensure to provide contact information when dropping off your block).
When
A public showing of the finished work will take place from 2-4pm on Saturday 24 October at Westward Cottage. To make that happen, we would love to receive your finished block and contact details by Saturday, 3 October.
Drop your block at Westward Cottage (8 Turner St, Ryde) between open studio hours (Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4pm) or contact Tom to arrange another time.