Emily Ridings

I turned 30 a week ago and have let it be a milestone. In my reflecting, I found this note from 2018, when I had just graduated and the enormity of knowing who I was and being able to prove it felt absolutely vital.

Authenticity has always been a core value, but I’ve fallen in and out of the trap that there is a correct way to be, and that my truest self would be a slightly different version that stays just out of reach. I’ve confused authenticity with self improvement. I’ve also linked it with the debilitating desire to try and be understood on every front, by every person, which I’m learning is not only unnecessary, it is impossible.

Creating has always been my portal for being without an urge to change. I have naturally let the work do what it’s going to do without judgement, and I’m beginning to embody that in myself. What helped: a fully developed prefrontal cortex, therapy, letting thoughts about feelings become feelings, meds, letting my life fall into categories that mingle, but don’t demand each part of me be present at all times. Lots of letting.

If you made it down here, thanks for reading. Making things mostly holds rank over writing about what it all means to me, but I’m away for a few days, and nothing gets me contemplative like a body of water 🌊✌🏻

Post rollout of each piece, here’s a proper introduction to my collection for Midnight Gallery:

I set out to create series of pieces that share the same framework, but in process reveal that no two woven forms are ever truly identical. Even when following the same pattern, each piece naturally takes its own course. Small variations in tension, material, and intuition create subtle differences that make each work unique.

This collection is a reflection on the balance between structure and spontaneity, and the beauty that emerges when repetition leaves room for individuality.

Photos by lily foster | fashion & lifestyle photographer

Radical Form
Midnight Gallery (sold)

Simplest Form
Midnight Gallery (sold)

Valley l
Available via Midnight Gallery

Valley ll
Available via Midnight Gallery

Valley lll
Available via Midnight Gallery

Led a workshop at Midnight Gallery, and left so inspired by the wildly different outcomes of basic materials and techniques. Thank you to everyone who joined and embraced the process 🫶🏻

The two blue-grey stripes were total luck, and my favorite part 🌀 available

Woven over a vintage base 💡online now