Stitching Stories

Claire FredErick on Neurodiversity, Sustainability and Self-Expression

Interview by Zuzana Remes

I first encountered Claire Frederick through her artwork displayed at Make.Shift Art Space, a cornerstone of Bellingham's art culture. Proudly declaring itself as a place where “art is essential, music is life and weirdos are always welcome!” Make.Shift regularly spotlights local artists’ creations, this time presenting “Threads of Transformation,” an art show highlighting sustainable materials.

Vibrant hues of upcycled textiles hung on white gallery walls while a handful of employees gathered at the front desk. One handed me a flyer that read “Try new things” and “Get inspired,” among a handful of other creative mini mantras. 

Among the eclectic displays, Frederick’s fabric pieces immediately caught my attention. Her mixed media project, “Scratchy,” held many different textures woven together. The tapestry was dripping with an abrasive vibrancy. “Pocket Dress,” a form-fitting black dress on a headless display mannequin, was covered in colorful, tactile and visually intricate patchwork designs. 

I reached out to Frederick on Instagram to schedule a discussion about her work and her role in the Bellingham art scene. We met at a small coffee shop but quickly relocated (after securing a sweet treat, of course). It was Sunday, and the place was packed with students. All seats were taken. Perhaps this was to be expected on an afternoon in Bellingham. After relocating, drinks in hand, we settled in and began talking.

Frederick, a 2024 graduate of Western Washington University’s Art Studio Program, explained that her art is deeply tied to self-expression and processing her life experiences as a person with autism. 

“As an artist, a big part of my process is finding these labels in later life and looking back on childhood — seeing them there,” She shared. “I think textiles become a big part of this because of nostalgia: things like blankets, stuffed animals and clothing.”

As she creates, Frederick often switches between projects. 

"When I focus on one for too long, it starts to feel like work," she explained. 

Self-proclaimed "scatterbrained" and "all over the place," Frederick sees creative expression as a medium to "tie things together."

Regarding approaching art on her own terms, Frederick discussed “Scratchy,” a project using materials that initially repulsed her due to sensory issues. Frederick recalled conversations with Western’s Studio Art Professor Cynthia Camlin, where they decided to make “Scratchy” as “loud” as possible.

Not entirely sure if this was the direction the professor had intended, Frederick took it as a personal challenge. 

“I was like, okay, I am going to make the most obnoxious looking, colorful, literally loud — if you move it, [it] makes a lot of noise — thing using materials that are scratchy and abrasive,” Frederick said.

Reflecting further on sensory issues, Frederick explained that while clothing often feels heavy, as if weighing down the body, the textures of “Scratchy” were tolerable. 

“Because of the controlled manner of only interacting with it with my fingers, it did not bother me too much,” she said.

Frederick characterized herself as a “question-based artist,” stating, “I love the scientific act of studying something and having a question that I can explore. Like, what would it look like if I collected all these things in this manner, putting them together? Or, what would it look like if I tried to put as much stuff on a tapestry as I possibly could?”

Bellingham’s creative community played a crucial role in Frederick’s development as an artist, with many of the city’s community values becoming synonymous with her work. 

“The biggest thing that I have taken from the Bellingham community is the second-hand and repurposed element that is very prevalent here, like with Bellingham staples like Ragfinery and Allied Arts,” Frederick said.

Ragfinery, a nonprofit dedicated to material waste reduction, repurposes scrapped textiles, converting them into creative resources through upcycling and community engagement. Allied Arts of Whatcom County has long supported local artists by providing exhibition opportunities, educational programs and advocacy for the arts. Both organizations embody Bellhingham’s dedication to sustainability and artistic empowerment. 

For her, there is meaning ingrained in repurposed materials. 

“This object that I’m using for this project had a whole life before I ever touched it. I think there is a lot of value in that,” she said.

Exhibiting her art locally has been a bit tricky, yet overwhelmingly positive for Frederick. 

“This is my second time at the Make.Shift. I think that Bellingham has a lovely way of supporting artists to show their work,” she said. “You just have to be a little bit sneaky and talk to the right people and have your eyes open.” 

Frederick finds significance in sharing her work. 

“The most rewarding part has come through the tight-knit community of Bellingham,” she said. “Whenever I share my artwork, out where strangers can see it, I always really feel that it is being seen by the community.”

As we wrapped up, Frederick sipped the last of her drink while I barely made a dent in mine — active listening and note-taking will do that to you. Meeting her and discussing her artistic journey felt much like her work — layered, intentional and undeniably authentic. It was clear her art wasn’t about seeking approval. It was about exploration and following the process wherever it led. Honestly? That felt far more compelling than anything neatly packaged.

“My artwork is very warm, nostalgic and sentimental. I want people to be able to feel that,” she said.