Rachel Williams – Two @ The Studio - Open Studios

Inspired by botanical observations & nature using mixed media & textiles to create abstract wire framed textural pieces/jewellery/journals/gifts&cards

I use mixed media and textiles to create abstract work, taking inspiration from the beauty in nature I see around me which, very often, people pass by without necessarily noticing, missing out on the wellbeing this brings with it. I enjoy using images from botanical observations and from using my photography of birds. I use emotive colours, found within nature, to enhance the feel of my work and various techniques such as hand and free motion embroidery. I often burn holes into my work to illustrate how delicate nature can be.

Other techniques I use include wire work; collage; printing; and slashing fabrics to create wonderful textures. I like to think the wire framed pieces can create a calming influence in our busy lives and can return you back to nature, especially if you are unable to physically.

The jewellery is 925 sterling silver and fine silver. I also use cold enamel on aluminium and polymer clay and the colours are drawn from my wire framed pieces and reference photographs. I also use beautiful pieces of sea glass I collect on Cornish beaches within some of my jewellery.

The journals are mostly textile patched and colour themed, and include one or two signatures with a tie wrap. Examples of the fabrics used include recycled fabrics; images from my photos of nature printed onto fabric; collage pieces; recycled silk saris and Gelli plate prints. The signatures include mixed media paper; vintage pages; recycled book pages; collage pages; watercolour blank pages; watercolour painted floral pages and cartridge paper. There are also some with plain sketch paper.

I also sell homewares such as cushions, toiletry bags and coin purses. I use free motion embroidery, hand stitching, abstract designs and appliqué to create them. These again are inspired by the wire framed pieces and nature. I also have a selection of cards with images from my work.