FashionLab Projects

Project Outline:

Image project, created 24 Mar 2009

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ARTSWORK INTERVIEWS - REBECCA ELLEN

Q. Rebecca could you tell us a little about your background?
I was born and brought up in a rural community, a village called Penrhos in Mid Wales. I have always loved animals and this continues to be apparent in my designs. As I come from the countryside I am always overwhelmed by cityscapes and love to combine architecture with wildlife in my work.

I studied at Shrewsbury College of Art and Technology, completing an Art Foundation course and went to Bath Spa University to complete a Fashion and Textiles degree. I began my business earlier this year and have found exhibiting at both Tent London and Origin a massive break.

Q. How would you describe your work Rebecca?
Creating beautiful wallpaper and artwork by combining print with embroidery. Taking on a very illustrative approach, the embroidery incorporated in each piece suggests a sensitivity, which is met with a fun array of colours. The designs portray their own identity as stories unravel through stitch.

Q. Do you have an agent?
No, it is a new business and I need to keep expenses low.

Q. Could you describe your work process and your working day?
I make notes of ‘things to do’ the night before, when it is fresh in my mind so that the next day I can check that list and try to work through it. Sometimes I have a day of fun things like printing and stitching, but a lot of my time is taken up by paperwork. I always collect newspaper articles, etc for inspiration as I go along, pinning it up in my work space.

Q. Could you describe your studio/work area to us?
It is a little sewing room full of materials/ work and a garage that I use as a print room. Not as glamorous some print rooms but it does the job!

Q. What is currently inspiring you?
I am inspired by anything to do with wildlife and architecture. My recent shows in London have made me like architecture even more.

Q. Do you have any particular triumphs you would share with us?
I am pleased to have been accepted and had such a good response at Tent London, Origin and the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. I was also pleased to feature in The Times Style Magazine.

Q. Can you offer any advise to students aspiring to be designers?
If you want to set up your own business, it is scary, but you can do it! The great feeling you get when you see people liking your work and then purchasing it makes up for the worry and work. If like me the business side of things worries you, it gets easier as you constantly learn new things.

Finally, enjoy your degree and get as much out of it as possible. You won’t have as much time to experiment with your ideas once you start your career. I always refer back to work that I completed whilst on my degree.

Q. Whose work do you admire and why?
At the moment I like the illustrative approach of Rachel Coleman and the sensitivity of Alice Kettle.

Q. What are you up to next?
I am going to have work in galleries and hopefully exhibit at more shows in the New Year.

Q. How do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I hope to continue designing and creating wallpaper and artwork. It would also be great to tutor students in the future.

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