Rotherham-born, Sheffield-based textile artist Jodie Cooper, who specializes in free-motion embroidery, discusses her journey from completing a degree in Fine and Applied Arts at University Centre Rotherham to becoming a full-time artist. She was commissioned by ArtWorks Together International and East Midlands Railway to create a tactile tapestry installation at Sheffield Train Station, running until 15 June, which explores themes of travel anxiety, neurodiversity, and accessibility. Cooper also shares her work through ArtWorks Together International Festival at Millennium Gallery and local art markets.
This article matters because it highlights the barriers neurodivergent artists face in the art world, from complex application language to lack of accessible formats, and showcases how initiatives like ArtWorks Together are working to make access a minimum standard. Cooper's emphasis on process over finished piece and her public installation open a conversation about inclusivity, mental health, and the need for systemic change in exhibition practices, making it a relevant case study for broader discussions on diversity and accessibility in the visual arts.