During research for inspiration, I stumbled upon Rachel's website 'Melted Fabrics' (http://www.meltedfabrics.com/index.htm). In awe of her beautiful work, I instantly knew that she might be able to provide me with the answers to a few questions and here's what she had to say:
1. When and why did you start sewing?
I studied textiles art at school- so when I was about 13 or 14. I was terrified of the sewing machines though so I mainly used hand sewing on all my projects!
2. You’re a textiles artist, how did you get in to this type of work, what pathway did you take?
Well, like I said, I did GCSE textiles, I also took GCSE art and went on to do a GNVQ in Art and Design, from there I studied Foundation Art and Design and Costume for the Screen and Stage BA (Hons) at the Arts Institute at Bournemouth. At the end of my Costume degree I decided I wanted to just get back into textiles and surface decoration.
3. Do you have any plans to develop your career further, and if so what is it you hope to achieve?
I always come up with new ideas and things I do differently. I'm interested in exploring combining my creative writing with my textiles at some point. I'm always learning something new or finding something I want to do differently.
4. Did you always want to be a textiles artist?
No, I was mainly interested in the drawing and painting side of things originally. I considered going into psychology and, of course, at one point I wanted to work in Costume design.
5. Any tips for someone trying to do the same?
Yes. Creative jobs are hard and whatever you choose to do you have to work really hard at it. It's not just making stuff- the majority of your work is going to be promoting yourself whether online or at craft markets etc.
6. Do you enjoy what you do?
You definitely have to enjoy it because you're not going to get a regular paycheck at the end of the month and if you don't enjoy something then you're not going to feel like pushing yourself further. Why spend all your time doing something you don't enjoy when you could get an easy office job and know you're going to get paid?
7. How do you begin a project, where do your ideas come from?
Everywhere really. Sometimes I see something and think "I could make that, but how could I make it different?" and the ideas spring from that. Sometimes I'm inspired by a story I read or something I've written. Sometimes I'm inspired by a particular piece of fabric or colour palette.
8. Are you always happy with your creations?
No, I don't suppose many people are. Although if I put something away and don't look at it for a while I can grow to like it! I think we often have an image of what we want to create in our heads and when it doesn't come out right we hate it, alternatively sometimes we can create things that are better than anything we'd imagined.
9. Have you ever stumbled across a very effective technique by accident or do you prefer to use traditional methods?
I started melting fabrics by accident. I was trying to heat some puff binder on a textiles piece and accidentally melted through the layers- that's where I got the name "Melted Fabrics" from. I love experimenting and figuring stuff out for myself so I very rarely read instructions!
10. If you could create a piece of art for a famous person, who would it be for and what would it be?
That's a tough question. I have no idea. I'd maybe like to depict one of my favourite authors' books in textiles- maybe something like Holly Black's Tithe as a huge wall hanging, or Terry Windling's The Wood Wife or something from Neil Gaiman's books. Either that or I'd love to have one of my pieces in the background of a film- maybe one of the Twilight movies for maximum exposure!
Thank you very much Rachel!
Thank you, Alice! Hope it was helpful :)
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