SELVEDGE TALKS TO...CHANTAL OF WARPED TEXTILES
The Selvedge Fair in Edinburgh is just a few days away now, with last minute preparations taking place we talk to Warped Textiles...
What made you start working with textiles?
When I was young I was always interested in fabric, colour and designing; creating small booklets filled with fashion drawings and fabric samples. It was the 1980's and my mum was trying to teach me to knit but as a left hander it proved a little difficult! I always thought that I wanted to be a fashion designer, not realising that one could be a textile designer and specialise in fabric itself. Then at high school I spent a week work experience at The Glasgow School of Art watching and helping the embroidery and weave students create work for their degree show. Whilst there I was captivated by the weaving looms and wanted to learn more. My heart was set on designing. The precision, patience and commitment required to create a piece of cloth from a few cones of yarn was fascinating and soon became addictive and so I went onto complete a degree in textiles.
What inspires you?
I would say my love of industrial and urban architecture as well as geometric patterns and repetition is what influences my work the most.
Who inspires you?
The work of Erich Borcher, Francis Hewitt and Nigel Peak to name but a few.
What is your favourite part of the process of weaving?
When a new design comes to life on the loom, I can’t wait to get it darned, washed and photographed.
What’s the hardest part or what do you dislike about what you do?
Like a lot of creative artisans, financing my business.
Where do you live and why have you chosen to be here?
I stay in Strathbungo which is in the heart of Glasgows southside, it’s a beautiful conservation area with with a strong community spirit and a wonderful array of local amenities.
What’s your ideal Sunday?
Waking up with the sun on my face and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and pancakes coming from the kitchen ...
If you could fly anywhere in the world tomorrow where would you go and why?
Luang Prabang in Laos... situated next to the Mekong River this atmospheric, spiritual and romantic city is somewhere I long to visit again.
Warped Textiles will be joining us in Scotland, Saturday 19th August for the Selvedge Fair in Edinburgh, to book tickets click here.
1 comment
Lovely weaver, lovely work