Five minutes with Emily...

What inspires you?

Nature and the wilderness, beauty in simplicity and the things that get overlooked, everyday life, the city, the world!

What’s your starting point?

An amalgamation of photographic collections, drawings and experiences culminating in a theme or gist, which I then develop and expand on - sometimes rigidly and at other times more loosely depending on my desired aesthetic.

Why did you choose weaving as your art form?

I took to weaving immediately. It just felt right. I find it immensely rewarding it and keeps me fit and strong. After I had fallen in love with weaving I discovered that various ancestors of mine were Bedford lace makers, embroiderers, weavers, farmers and botanists, so there must be something in the genes.

What is your favourite breed of wool and why?

I particularly like Herdwick for its heritage and hardiness and Swaledale for it's beautifully opaque grey/white wool, but I find them all fascinating. Each sheep breed has it's own shade and quality. I'm currently waiting to receive a batch of wool from North Ronaldsay sheep. They live on the beach and eat seaweed!

Can you describe your studio?

My studio is a lovely light and airy space, which is vital for fine work. I have a lot of different types of materials and equipment so I have lots of shelves, small boxes and clever storage spaces. I have to be very disciplined and ordered - it saves a lot of time! I couldn't do without my 'Partners desk' - a friend gave it to me in return for some of my wares. It's perfect for cutting and sewing on and full of drawers. I currently use my smaller sampling loom for production and hope to move to a bigger space next year so that I can also get my large dobby loom into the same place.

What is your favourite piece of art?

At the moment I'm yearning for the wilderness and my favourite piece is this traditional painting by Peter Graham called 'Wandering Shadows'. It evokes the feeling that I am chasing.

Where do you like to visit in the winter months?

I especially love Cornwall in the winter, but love anywhere with countryside, crisp air and an open fire. This year I'm looking forward to a winter visit to the Lake District. London can be a bit uninspiring and grey in the winter... 

What are you working on at the moment?

I'm working on a limited run of textured wool fabric using up the last of my precious vintage Blue Faced Leicester yarn stock, with a cotton and silk warp. I'd been holding onto the yarn as I know it's no longer available, but it's time to let it go. It was made to be woven!