The Illuminations of Fabric, Fabulation and Figure.
Artist Christabel MacGreevy’s studio is a stone’s throw away from Hackney Central, a large light-filled space filled to the brim with beautiful curiosities. “It’s organised chaos, although I just bought a Henry Hoover which has revolutionised my level of cleanliness.” As her practice is so expansive, the room is divided haphazardly into different work stations; one table set up with ceramics, another for the hanging sculptures she’s recently been working on and large drawers packed with her more traditional drawing and painting apparatus. A bookshelf houses a variety of references and sources of inspiration. Christabel likes to listen to audio content whilst working: “The Happiness Lab podcast, recent great audiobooks include Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadice Evaristo and The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne. Otherwise, she listens to music all day. Currently enjoying the soundtrack from Steve McQueen’s ‘Lovers Rock’ as well as Billie Eilish and Rosalia’s new song and a playlist of French classic hits.” From working long hours in the studio, she says, “my microwave brings me joy on a daily basis.” Although an entirely practical space, Christabel craves more comfort, “I really need a sofa or squishy chair, it’s been on my mind for probably a year now.”