Jo Hall, Editor of Embroidery magazine chooses 5 favourites
Written: 29 May 2015
We asked Jo Hall, Editor of Embroidery magazine to choose her textile highlights for The Contemporary Craft Festival.
Annie Hutchinson’s handcrafted sculptural textiles are enchanting. I fell in love with them a few years ago, not least because they are entirely heartfelt. She is a keen observer: able to translate both the character and the physical quirks of our animal companions.
I’m a fan of contemporary illustration and I find the same appeal in Liz Cooksey’s work. Instead or pencil or paint, she draws with thread, wire and found objects – her style is unique, and informed by a passion for exploring new techniques. Liz is definitely one to watch.
My love of pinnies and bags knows no bounds and Teresa Green makes some of the best, using natural fabrics embellished with her subtle prints. Her aprons are beautifully crafted with a truly generous amount of linen – I have my eye on her Circle design bag and skirt for this summer.
Many artists have a fascination with collecting but Ella has found a way to combine stitch with a range of driftwood and found objects that’s all her own, creating colourful collages and decorative objects that remind you of lazy days spent beachcombing.
Elizabeth Loveday’s illustrations draw you in to a world of folklore, with characters pulled from her imagination and hand-stitched onto vintage linens. Both engaging and endearing, her work stays in the memory for a long time.
Follow Jo Hall on Twitter @surfacestory
www.surfacestory.com