Bio
Born in 2002 and raised in rural Scotland, Bertie (bear) Thomas’ work feeds off their lived experiences of folk identity and the rural landscape, sometimes questioning the relationship between these themes and their queer identity. Taking ideas formed from their day-to-day exchanges with love, land, language and cultural heritage, Bertie creates primarily textile-based conceptual works with a focus on craft methods and a consistent use of natural materials, honouring the importance of care in their actions and practice. Currently interested in ritualistic everyday interactions with the natural landscape, their work has explored skimming stones, kissing gates and hill-rolling. Observing and mapping motions, ideas and intimate connections, Bertie’s work offers a conversation between play and craft, and the presence of such in a contemporary art context.