Juvenating July
We hope you're enjoying these beautiful summer days and finding a little extra inspiration in the season around you.
This month we wanted to share something a little different with you: a glimpse into the creative journey behind some of our designs, showing how an original moment of inspiration evolves into the finished pieces you see in our collections.
From photograph to finished design
So much of what Kate creates begins with noticing beauty in the details around us, captured first through photography. From there, a small section or interesting detail is isolated, explored, gently manipulated, and gradually transformed into a fresh, unique design.
We thought it would be lovely to share that process with you through three pieces. Beginning with an original photograph, a carefully selected snippet was taken and digitally developed, all the colours left untouched, allowing the colour, texture and pattern to emerge into completely new textile designs.
Textile design: Lakes
Water and Boating Collection.
Kate took this photograph on the border of Tibet. She climbed thousands of steps to visit the Huanglong Lakes of the Jiuzhaigou Valley, in Sichuan, China, in 2006. Altitude sickness dropped many of the group off like flies. This picture was of the highest point she could manage. The pools sit at the bottom of the Minshan Mountain Range, at an altitude of between 3,120m and 3,570m.
Textile design: Rooves
Water and Boating Collection.
While in Port Moody, Canada, in 2013, she walked around an inlet, and as a photographer she was spoilt: the reflections were stunning. She captured this series of reflections, an image of the roofs of the boat houses balancing precariously on stilts, with the light of the boat shed roofs on the water.
Sometimes the transformation leads somewhere different. This wall art piece, called Flattering, started as a photograph that held a particularly striking composition. The final artwork now stands as a bold finished statement piece for the home or office.
Wall art: Flattering
Kate has a lovely story behind these buildings in Battersea, which she captured while walking her dog one stormy evening along the River Thames. She was then exhibiting the piece and a young woman walked in and said, "Oh my goodness, I live there, how did you make it look so nice?"
A reminder that a number of Kate's sculptures are currently being exhibited at Palais des Vaches, Exbury, too. We're always delighted to see our work out in the world and greatly appreciate all the support and interest you continue to show.
Save the date
We're also excited to remind you that Hampshire Open Studios is coming up soon. Please do save the dates and come along if you're able. It's always a wonderful opportunity to visit working studios, meet artists, discover new work, and experience the creative process. From 22 to 31 August 2026. Joining Kate this year will be Charles Williamson, Rosanna Webb and George Allen.
We'll be sharing more details as the event gets closer but for now, please mark your calendars. We'd love to see you.
We look forward to sharing more with you again next month.
With warm wishes,
Sara
