McVetis' practice is driven by a deep fascination with the language of time, geology, and cosmology. He primarily explore these themes through textile-based work, particularly hand embroidery, which he refers to as "rendering with stitch." His creative process involves producing meticulously stitched two- and three-dimensional drawings that shift between intimate, small-scale sculptures and large-scale installations. Through making, he explore themes of repetition and the expressions of sameness and difference within repetition. These works map space and visually express the passage of time, challenging traditional definitions of embroidery.
Richard McVetis studied at Manchester School of Art before studying at the Royal College of Art, where he now teaches. McVetis has been shortlisted for several distinguished prizes, including the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize, UK, 2023; the Jerwood Drawing Prize, UK, 2011 and 2017, and the international Loewe Craft Prize, 2018.
