One of the 2015 Craft ACT artists in residence, she has been searching for creative ways to link the National Archives of Australia with Namadgi National Park.

Both are partners in this year's program, which includes a fortnight of research and another spent in a cottage in the bushland area that makes up 46 per cent of the capital territory.

"My main direction is looking at how people live in specific landscapes," said Ms Hingston.

What intrigued her was "how humans use or exploit the environment for their own purposes and, in doing so, alter the landscape".

The theme of the residency is "connect with your nature", arising from the work of the ACT Parks and Conservation Service.

For Ms Hingston, it has evoked "the light and dark sides of human nature", especially in relation to place.

Her aim was to be mindful of her surroundings during the residency and to appreciate the flora and fauna.

Though she was committed to recycling and gathered "everything and anything" for her "mixed media bits and pieces", she has promised "not to take anything from the national park".

Ms Hingston also found the National Archives' records of Canberra's early development interesting.

National Archives of Australia director-general David Fricker said this was the first time the archives had been involved in the project and it was a pleasure to bring the collection to a broader audience.

"We feel honoured to have such talented artists delving into our resources and discovering treasures to enhance their works," he said.

As an astute observer, Ms Hingston often uses maps as a starting point.

While many of her intricate designs reference real streets and formal plans, they are imaginative interpretations, rich in textures and layers.

"There's always a level of fiction in it," she said of her process. "The embroideries are my way of storytelling."

An accredited Craft ACT professional member, she will launch the program on Thursday, September 3, with international artist-in-residence Jodie Hatcher.

One of several public events is Ms Hingston's drawing workshop at Namadgi's Visitors Centre on Saturday, September 26.