We Meet… From Big Bird Little Bird

Liz Norwood Clark 

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Liz lives in Kent with her husband, two children, dog and gecko! She creates beautiful bird and animal textile sculptures from various fabrics (from Liberty to vintage). We find out more about the inspiration behind Liz's characterful handmade creatures and the Big Bird Little Bird brand.

When and how did your love of sewing begin?

I have to admit to disliking sewing when I was at secondary school. It wasn’t about artistic expression, it was more about following a pattern and so I got bored quite quickly. One of the first things I made was a seal; it took me a whole school term to make. I still have it! It’s only as I returned to sewing that I saw the potential for using it as an art form. Seeing creatives like Mister Finch really inspired me to go down that path.

What inspired you to create Big Bird Little Bird?

My sister, Helen, died from bowel cancer in 2011 and she left me her 1975 Husqvarna sewing machine and a huge amount of fabric. She knew I was creative and thought I may be able to use it in some way. Helen was very talented in that she could sew, knit, crochet and embroider. When undergoing chemo she used to make bears for raffles and raise money for the hospital. Her family nickname was ‘Big Bird’ and mine was ‘Little Bird’ hence the name. I feel closer to her when I’m sewing.

Tell us about your design aesthetic. What led you to create 3D textile sculptures in particular?