Featured Artists

"I was captivated by the colours and the extraordinary way that the dyes blended on the silk..."

An interview with Silk Painter, SEOS Area Co-ordinator and Newsletter Editor, ELITTA FELL

Ammonites: The Jurassic took over here!
Poppy: Red poppy scarf based on a photograph and subsequently sent to the photographer’s aunt in South Africa.
Blue Scarf: Winter Tree, part of a series of seasonal scarves used as my image in last year’s SEOS Guide

What is your practice?
My practice is silk painting with a little bit of papier-mâché sculpture on the side. Much of my work is created to be worn, i.e. scarves, ties, tunics and so on, but I also paint wall hangings and pictures on silk. This coming year I am planning on doing more painting on silk clothing, shirts, camisoles etc.

What is your training and background?
No training really, just fell in love with the effects of dyes and silk and the way it seems to have a life of its own. I often feel as if the silk is in charge not me, other silk painters say the same.
I been involved with art and design all my life in one form or another, starting in window and exhibition display through to lettering and redrawing comic strips and now graphic and web design, touching on most forms from pen & ink to computers along the way!

How long have you been participating in Open Studios?
This will be my third year of participation in Open Studios.

What has your experience of SEOS been?
Everyone in SEOS I’ve met has been really helpful and friendly, made me feel welcome. I have enjoyed being a part of Open Studios, meeting and talking with the public and other artists, exchanging views and often being inspired by them as a side benefit! I would recommend joining to any artist or craftsman, getting yourself out into this amazing marketplace that doesn’t require opening a retail outlet but gets the word out about your own particular brand of design and being able to tell everyone about it!

What attracted you to be an ACO & news editor?
Being the SEOS newsletter editor is very similar to previous jobs I've had in the comic and magazine world for many years! Getting in with the news as it breaks and passing it all on is just great! And now I'm looking forward to the challenge of being an ACO as well, helping others to enjoy their Open Studio days and getting as much as possible out of them as I do.

What advice would you give to a new SEOS member thinking of what they can do to maximise their participation?
It's all about advertising your art, your craft and yourself, selling yourself and your ability in the one of the most pleasant ways! Get out there and let the public know about you, tell all your friends and family to bring all their friends, advertise!

What inspires you?
It's a hackneyed phrase but I really am inspired by nature, the shapes and colours rarely clash (unless man has interfered) they complement and evolve alongside each other. The sensual feel of silk is unrivalled and combined with the sometimes subtle, sometimes vibrant dyes blending and merging in different ways every time is quite wonderful.

How do you keep yourself fresh and your skills updated?
By meeting other silk painters regularly, exchanging ideas and new ways of application. By experimenting with different techniques from other art and craft pursuits

Favourite historical artist?
Leonardo da Vinci is the master not only for his art but also his inventions.

When and where can we see more of your work?
The Guild of Silk Painters:  www.silkpainters-guild.co.uk  I'm the editor of the quarterly journal and website editor.
No shows or events confirmed at the moment, I will be having some later in the year.

************************************************************************************

About Featured Artists

We aim to feature an interview or a member's article on the website every month with highlights of the copy included in the bi-monthly newsletters so take this opportunity to increase your exposure and tell us of your story.

If you would like to be interviewed for the newsletter please contact the chairman. Interviews are questionnaire based and are sent at your leisure to complete and return with a photo.