These interviews will appear every couple of weeks or so and feature artists FCA&C are working with. Lauren Crawford is a Fife artist now based in Stafford who is currently in the ‘Progression’ exhibition at Rothes Halls (until 4 April). Her work is also available to buy from FCA&C’s online shop. Read on to find out more about Lauren.
What’s your background and what inspired you to become a textile designer?
Weaving is my passion. This started at school, which prompted my desire to obtain an honours degree in Textile Design. I then gained work experience within the textile industry. Placements have included working at Salt, London, where I assisted with fabric finishing and the organisation of textile collections, orders and exhibition PR.
On graduation, I accepted the Designer in Residence position at the Art College which enabled me to set up my own label business as a hand woven textile designer.
How would you describe your customers?
Typically, customers are those who love something unique and special. These include:
- Consumers with an eye for complementary products that make them stand out from the crowd.
- Customers who regularly wear fashion accessories that might wish to become more experimental.
- Consumers who appreciate fine and well-designed quality products.
What is your favourite piece from your collection?
My Reflection Scarves -I love their movement and delicate shimmer which creates glamorous looks for day and eveningwear.
What are the highlights of your career so far?
- Having my wovens exhibited nationally and sold in specialist outlets throughout the UK. The expansion into England including coverage extending in to Shropshire, Suffolk, Lancashire and London.
- Working as the Graduate Textile Artist on the ‘Making Moves’ project with Birmingham City Council and Craftspace.
- Being a finalist in the Scottish Variety Awards as ‘Best New Scottish Designer’.
- Receiving a PSYBT Jolomo Arts and Crafts Award in March 2011.
- Responses to my work at Exhibitions and trade shows such as the British Craft Trade Fair in Harrogate.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
- Being an established brand with an emphasis on quality and innovation. Creating a prominent place in the network of British based Designers and Weavers.
- Collaborating with a UK mill than can manufacture specially designed collections.
- Having products stocked and in demand in high end department stores and boutiques such as Liberty in London.
- Products being available to purchase online. Selling through reputable internet vehicles such as velvetboutique.co.uk and notonthehighstreet.com and theshopfloorproject.com.
Thank you.
