Sunday Read: Abstract Textiles by Anne Kelly
The textile art world has long been captivated by the power of abstraction - from the geometric precision of Amish quilts to the experimental works of contemporary makers. Now, renowned textile artist Anne Kelly brings this fascinating realm within reach of every textile enthusiast in her latest book, Abstract Textiles: Colour, Shape and Pattern in Textile Art.
From shapes, colours and surface patterns to line art and textile influences, readers will be armed with everything they need to make and experience their own personal responses to the theme. Kelly's own artworks illustrate the themes and techniques throughout, while contributions from other contemporary artists and makers, including Sarah Z. Short, Lorna Crane, Iain Perry and Helen Banzhaf, provide additional inspiration and perspective.
Inspiration Box, Sea Studio. Mixed media by Anne Kelly. Photo by Rachel Whiting.
Kelly's approach is refreshingly practical, recognising that many textile artists feel intimidated by the leap from realistic representation to abstract expression. Her six-chapter journey provides a carefully structured pathway that moves from familiar territory through to more adventurous experimental concepts, making it suitable for all ages and abilities - from students to experienced practitioners, or anybody seeking to inject new inspiration into their textile practice.
The book opens with From Nature to Abstraction where Kelly demonstrates how natural forms can be deconstructed and reimagined through mixed media textile collages - an entry point for those hesitant about abandoning representational work entirely.
Junk Collage 1. Mixed media on card by Anne Kelly. Photo by Rachel Whiting.
But what sets this book apart is Kelly's emphasis on process over product. In Surface Pattern and Mixed Media, she encourages experimentation with random elements and diverse materials, showing how happy accidents can lead to breakthrough moments. Perhaps most intriguingly, Kelly tackles the challenging question of emotional expression in abstract work. Capturing Meaning delves into how repetitive, intentional mark-making can convey personal responses and work through complex themes - a skill that transforms abstract textile work from mere decoration into powerful artistic communication.
Anne Kelly in her studio. Photo by Alun Callender.
The final chapter, Playing and Process, serves as both inspiration and practical workbook, reflecting Kelly's extensive teaching philosophy, honed through workshops from London's Fashion and Textile Museum to West Dean College. Her own work also graces collections from private homes to the Vatican Collection in Rome and the Textile Museum of Canada. Her 2023 solo exhibition at Ruthin Craft Centre, which toured to the Harley Foundation, demonstrates her continued relevance in contemporary textile art. This dual perspective as maker and mentor is evident throughout the book.
Abstract Textiles is an invitation to discover how colour, shape, and pattern can capture mood and feeling in ways that representational work cannot. For practitioners seeking to inject new inspiration into their own textile practice, Kelly offers both the courage and the tools to embrace abstraction.
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Further Information:
Abstract Textiles: Colour, Shape and Pattern in Textile Art is available now from Batsford Books.
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Anne Kelly, Kantha Sample. Stitched textile.
All other images as credited in photo captions.