VICKY COWIN

Vicky Cowin is a specialist in Woven textiles, winner of Elle Deco British Design Awards in 2017. 

 Her woven design is inspired by explorations of surface, texture and three dimensions. Inspired by the meditative quality of actively making and being involved in craft, the power of alchemy, symbols, unspoken communications, buried beliefs and superstitions.

These are beautiful tactile pieces which make you stop and think again. Delicate colours and textures are contrasted with flashes of bright colours in unexpected places and exuberant, chunky textures which invite us to engage and explore.

I have been working with Vicky in my role as Artist's Consultant and it has been a pleasure to find out more about her visual practise.

* How did you feel when you were awarded the British Design award with Elle Deco?

 I felt delighted and surprised as I had not entered myself, they had found me via New Designers One Year On. I was thrilled that I won this and it has given me such a boost to my practice.

* What impact has it had already?

I’ve had lots of interest and have sold some work and I was 'one to watch' for the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. I have also has a few requests to be interviewed on blogs and I recently took part in an instagram takeover for New Designers. 

* What has been the most memorable/helpful/valuable experience since graduating?

I think winning the Elle Decoration Award has been the most memorable and exciting experience I could have wished for. 

I found it useful to take part in shows such as New Designers One Year on and The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair. It was great meeting the organisers and other exhibitors, I love how its such a lovely supportive community. It is so helpful and invaluable to talk with other people in this field, which is why having artist consultations with Jehane has been useful to me.

* How has it helped you to have your artist consultation with Jehane?

Connecting with Jehane has been an important step forward for me, giving myself time to have conversations about my work and make plans for the future. Jehane is knowledgeable about all aspects of textile art and design and is easy to talk to. With two consultations so far i’m feeling very positive.

JEHANE