Friday Focus: Emma Jackson (Silversoles)

Article Added: 12/06/2009 14:36:18
This week’s Friday Focus interview is with Emma Jackson who owns her own feltmaking company Silversoles. Emma is a textile designer maker who creates sumptuously tactile textiles for interiors and to wear. Each piece is unique having been individually hand crafted using traditional and contemporary felting techniques.

Can you tell us about the techniques you use to create your items?
I experiment with the potential of wool’s memory, combining Shibori, Nuno and resist techniques to dye, mould and manipulate the wool to create sculptural, textured and raised surfaces. I utilise the Nuno technique, as I’m fascinated by the appearance and qualities of these felts, which give the impression of fragility, yet create robust and durable fabrics. 

I hand dye the silk fibres and fabrics I use, and work with my wool supplier, to develop my own colour blends of silk and merino wool.  I felt these and combine the felt with stitch, velvet and silk fabrics. These experiments have culminated in the development of my Cobweb and Ripple collections of bags, scarves and signature flower corsages. I enjoy learning and experimenting with different materials and techniques, so my work is continually changing and evolving.

Felt is such a luxurious material that it is perfect for clothing, what other properties does it have that make it perfect for this purpose?
Wool can be felted in one piece, so no stitch is required to construct a garment and the felt will mould to create a perfect fit to your body. The beauty of felt is not just in its appearance and texture but its unique qualities. The combination of strength, durability and its light weight make felt a versatile fabric. It can be worn all year round, as it can be a cool, light and breathable fabric for summer, and offers warmth in winter. The wool fibres repel dirt and moisture, it does not fray and is even fire resistant. Felt is made from an environmentally friendly sustainable source - wool - so it is 100% biodegradable, making felt textiles a very eco-friendly fabric!

You produce many fabulous items – both to wear and for the home. Are each of the pieces you produce one-offs?
I make small batches, individual and commissioned pieces. Due to the handmade techniques used in my work, no two items will be exactly the same, even when making small batches.  I use the same design, but the nuances of the colours, patterns and shapes are subtly different, which makes every piece unique.

How do you decide what products you are going to make? What are your inspirations?
I take my inspiration from organic forms and patterns in nature; I am captivated by the structure, form and colours of plants, right down to the cellular level. Inspiration has come from tree bark, lichen, flowers and geological features such as rock and lava forms. I also take much of my inspiration from the medium itself, experimenting and asking ‘What if…’

I work up my sketches and ideas in to felt samples and use these to decide how best they might be applied. I create a range of felt accessories to wear and for interiors such as scarves, bags, cushions and wall pieces.

Apart from on your website where else are your products available?
I have successfully exhibited at regional and national designer maker fairs and supply galleries across the UK.  Recently I have ventured into exhibiting at trade fairs Top Drawer in London and British Craft Trade Fairs inHarrogate, with the aim of reaching new venues to show my work.  

You recently did a Christmas stocking commission for Cancer Research UK. Are commissions such as this something you enjoy doing and do you have any plans to do any more?
It was a very rewarding experience creating the Christmas stocking while supporting Cancer Research UK, and I hope to repeat the experience again next Christmas with the Ferrers Gallery.  I enjoy the challenge of undertaking commissions. The process pushes the boundaries of my work and offers me the opportunity to adapt or develop new work. It  makes me look at the techniques, materials and designs I use in my products in new ways, in turn helping me to develop and progress my work and skills.
 
I am currently working with the British Museum to develop a bespoke flower corsage for a collection they are putting together, inspired by the eighteenth century flower ‘painting’ of Mrs Delany.

I see in the past that you have run several feltmaking workshops. Is this something you are still doing?
Yes, I teach freelance, offering feltmaking workshops including a range of felting techniques and inspirational project based workshops. I also undertake projects in schools, colleges, guilds and community arts projects. Recent projects have included working with GCSE and A-level students in Solihull looking at Enclosures and the Space within, and on the Bacteria Project, which involved working with Dudley primary schools to examine and respond to bacterium, to create Bacteria Battle Skirts for a performance piece. I love teaching and enjoy sharing my skills and knowledge with others.  It is especially rewarding seeing others being inspired and excited by a new learning experience.

Silversoles have been nominated for a Craft & Design award. Can you tell us more about how you were selected for this and how people can vote for you?
I was delighted to be accepted to show my work on the craft&design Selected online gallery in 2007.  Selected is a prestigious showcase of work by designer makers in Britain and Ireland, which reflects the superb quality of craft and design that is at the heart of the contemporary craft industry. The craft&design Selected Awards are based around designer makers whose work is featured on Selected at www.craftmaker.co.uk. Everyone can cast a vote for the designer makers of their choice. You don’t have to subscribe to the craft&design Magazine and the email address of everyone who votes is automatically entered into a prize draw. There is a prize of a case of wine for the first out of the hat after voting has closed and a year’s subscription to craft&design Magazine for another five voters. So please show your appreciation of my work and cast a vote for me by going to www.craftanddesign.net/signup and voting for Silversoles! 
 
For more information about Emma and Silversoles please click here.

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