Textile Artist Angie Parker

Textile Artist Angie Parker

Angie Parker's work is featured in Walford Mill Crafts' latest exhibition 'Wood and Fibre'. Angie is a weaver of exquisite rugs and vibrant textiles derived from Scandinavian rug weaving techniques. Here Angie tells us all about her background, current work and what is next. 

I love producing distinctive and intricate fabrics and rugs which I hand weave on my Glimakra Floor loom. Traditional patterns, such as Krokbragd, have become like handwriting to me over the years. The designs flow so naturally now, and by combining them with my instinctive and daring approach to colour I have found a craft that never ceases to thrill and excite me. 

My journey began when I specialised in Rug Weaving on the Design Crafts course at Cumbria College of Art & Design in the 1990’s

Tutored by the late Susan Foster I gained an insight into traditional Scandinavian rug weaving techniques and was hooked from the first day. After graduating I went on to win the Floorcovering Design award at New Designers.

I then had an accidental but very happy separate career in costume for Musical Theatre & TV. (Miss Saigon, Joseph, Jesus Christ Superstar etc..). This allowed me to develop my weaving without the pressure of earning a living from my Craft-a luxurious creative time indeed!

I now live in Bristol and have a workshop at B.V studios after setting up my practice in 2012.

It was the arrival of my third child which made me re-evaluate my career options and I realised that I wanted my children to see me doing the job I trained for...and love.

Setting up a business whilst caring for my young children has been challenging, fun and mainly hard work and careful planning. I can dip into my weaving quite easily for short periods of time if the kids are playing, and get long sessions done when they're in bed…I find my craft a symbol of fluidity in my world of interruptions!

 I was selected for the Craft Councils Hothouse Business Programme which was a huge step in my professional life and I now have a very clear vision of how I can proceed creatively in business.

Time spent living in India in 2006 and more recently the graffiti in my neighbourhood in Bristol have influenced the fabulously gaudy palate which is intrinsic to my weaving.

Each woven piece is a celebration of colour and pattern, and having the chance to show my work has confirmed that the pleasure I get from weaving shines through in the finished product. Having a cheerful nature myself, I love that seeing work makes so many people smile.

Salvaged and restored chairs are one of the uses I have found for these original and durable handwoven pieces. I have 'elves' all over the country helping me to find abandoned, forgotten pieces of furniture that are crying out for a little care and am unfazed by the complications of upholstering with these irregular fabrics.

Working in fine mercerised cottons, silks, chenille, and as much glitter as I dare, I hand-weave, restore and finish all the pieces myself. My weaving is weft faced on a strong cotton warp and much of my designing is done at the loom. By working this way I can retain the balance of colours whilst keeping each design fresh and exciting during the long production process. I love the surprise element of technique.

The next stage for me is to return to Rug Weaving and I am very excited to be launching my new collection of Rugs in January 2014, at the Devon Guild’s Get Fresh exhibition.

You can see Angie's work at Walford Mill Crafts, Stone Lane, Wimborne, BH21 1NL as part of the Wood and Fibre exhibition until 26th October 2014. Free entry.

You can find out more about Angie's work via her Website, Facebook and Twitter accounts.