WALES
1. Caroline Rees, Glass Artist
2. Deborah Procter, Performer
3. Philip Parker, Visual Artist
4. Anne Morgan, Jeweller
Harriet Popham, Textile Artist harrietpophamtextiles.tumblr.com When did you first decide to pursue textiles? I was introduced to free hand machine embroidery and silkscreen printing at college aged sixteen, I have not stopped since. What is it about textiles you love? Textiles are honest. I have always been intrigued by people’s interaction with embroidery. The craft and its association with vast time investments, seems to provoke immense gratitude. I think it’s particularly refreshing at a time where so many of our activities are screen based. Do you prefer textile design, or textile art? I love playing with both. They vary hugely in their pace, technique and their audience. Illustrative textile design keeps me constantly excited. I enjoy getting absorbed in an intricate, lively drawing and love finding ways to mirror, manipulate and repeat it for a wide range of surface applications. Do you exhibit your work? I have done no formal exhibitions yet but I'm currently producing work for a large number of competitions, which lead to exciting exhibition opportunities. Some of my work hangs in shops and restaurants, widening the range of people who commission work from me. I have also taken samples to Indigo Paris, a textile design trade fair, selling several pieces there. The Internet and social networking have provided a brilliant platform for me to showcase my work. Where would you like your work to lead you? In the future, I would like to work freelance, doing illustration, embroidery and design. I hope to be involved with design collectives that support and promote each other. I aim to explore every possible application in the pathways of fashion, interiors and applied arts. To exhibit internationally and maintain my often, overwhelming, enthusiasm for it all would be fantastic. I think every aspiring creative should write out their fantasy life plan, however far removed from reality it may appear, and BEGIN IT!