About
Betty Sargent has a diverse arts practice. She is a photographer, object maker, uses collage, makes large scale crochet works and writes.
In 2016 she exhibited The Dress at the Arnolfini as part of Somewhere in the City, an AIM initiated project and exhibition. Between 2015-2017 she was involved in Expanding Realities, an EU funded international exchange program between AIM, CIT Crawford College of Art and Design, GASP, (Cork Ireland) and Debajo del Sombrero (Madrid, Spain). In 2016, Betty exhibited at the Crawford Art Gallery as part of Perceptions, an international exhibition in Cork.
As part of Homespun (2018) at Spike Island Test Space, Betty exhibited a series of large scale collages. These were created through taking photographs of objects from her home and then meticulously assembling them into a collage using material, wool and threads.
In recent years, Betty’s practice continues to expand into new areas, and she has leaned further into collage, tapestry, and sculpture. She has continued to explore use of new materials, and working from images to create artwork telling the story of people and places in her life.
She has exhibited bespoke work at Spike Open Studios, most recently in Sweet Justice (2025), she displayed a wall of abstract paintings and imagery. This demonstrates the diversity of her practice, and was vastly different to the knitted dress she created for the 2024 showcase.
“My artwork involves creating collage, crochet, and photography. The materials I work with are knitting, wool, coloured cotton, paper and fabric. I’ve been making art a very long time!
I wouldn’t say there were any specific themes or inspirations in my work, it just comes to me. I just start doing it. With the photo collages, I choose the photo first, and from there the inspiration comes to me and I begin filling it in.
It’s hard to pick a project or piece of work I’m most proud of because I’d say- all of it. I enjoy doing all of it, and don’t ever get tired of creating”.
“I’m currently working on an artwork of a large photo of myself, where I’m in Spain. I’m filling this in with coloured wool and creating a collage.
My goals for the future are to carry on with the work I’m doing, have more exhibitions to show off the projects, and for people to have the opportunity to come along and see them.
Working with AIM has made a really big difference to my life. It’s really good coming along and doing work in the studios- it’s a great opportunity. I like everything about being involved, but particularly doing my artwork and knowing there are people around me to help if i need it.
If I could give any advice to other people wanting to become an artist, it would be try and find a place like this.
If I could describe my work in a few words, it would be: Enjoyable, brilliant”.
AIM 