inspiration

images are from morning glory antiques

A hard question to answer is "who/what inspires you?". My first reaction is... everything around me! from the curled up leaf on the doorstep to the accidental clash of patterns found in the washing basket.

But I reckon most interviewers asking that question would really like you to reel off a list of names of people in the same field who inspire you. I try really hard not to look at what other textile designers are doing because I don't want to be subconsciously swayed by their colour choices or stylistically. This is particularly hard when there are people round like jezze, Publisher Textiles and Nani Iro (amongst others) producing such gorgeous prints!

Anyhow... inspiration... I can put it in no other words except to say what it means to me- something or someone that makes my heart beat faster.

Here are two! Miriam Haskell and Frank Hess.

Over a thirty year period (1920's-50's), together and separately, they produced exquisite and creative costume jewelery. I really love their use of beads and wiring and the fearless way they ignored standards of good taste to experiment, play and discover new ways of doing things.

These designs leave me itching to grab a pencil and start drawing.