Unwanted materials often possess unexplored value, carrying a history of their own that is frequently visible from their appearance. Seizing the potential of found objects gives them a new lease of life, typically one very different to that of their original purpose.
My final collection utilises the texture and character of driftwood, contrasting its weathered, uneven and dull surface against the feminine softness and sheen of thread. Inspired by the British coast, with colour palettes coming from the urban environment of street art and graffiti, these interior and exterior pieces exploit my love of vibrant colour and pattern.
Exploring the contrast between traditional and the more unexpected textile materials has been key in my practice for the past few years, finding wood an inspirational media to work with.
I have long been a magpie, always keeping an eye out to see what I can find, with the coast offering materials that are diverse and continually restocked by the tides. The amount of plastics and wood to be found on Britain’s beaches is vast; whilst collecting these I am feeding my work whilst removing pollution.
In the future I will experiment with pieces that use wholly found materials, potentially large scale and site-specific within the coastal environment.
Ella Robinson
07793 008515
ella.robinson@network.rca.ac.uk