Inspiration for Textiles: Surfaces

'Surfaces' are a common source of inspiration for Textiles Artists. Indeed, the AQA Textiles Art A Level exam titles often include a variation on the 'surfaces' theme, reflective surfaces was an interesting starting point last year. Ironically, that is a title I choose to use for my students as a coursework title.


So, what do we think of when we think 'surfaces'? For visual inspiration for the 'reflective surfaces', I have taken my students to a garden center/aquarium to photograph schools of fish from the surface of the water, aiming to record the reflections of light, colour and movement on the surface of the water. (I wish we could afford to go to a Sea Life centre!)

In the past we have visited churches and graveyards to photograph the textures of weather-worn stone, lichen and moss. I have a personal obsession with tree bark after a holiday to Portugal, just a half hour walk with my camera revealed an unbelievable range of colours and textures.

I also love the beach and unusual 'found items'; my latest find being a rusted wheel washed up on the shore, which again hosted the most beautiful array of colours.

Oxford Natural history Museum 

 One of my favourite places to go to investigate or be inspired by surfaces is the Natural History museum in Oxford. It is open 10am to 4pm everyday, free entry. It's a fabulous place to take your children, with a huge collection of bones, fossils, skeletons, stones, rocks, precious stones, stuffed animals etc all providing a wealth of surfaces.

Pitt Rivers Museum - Oxford

Inside the Natural History Museum Oxford, lies entry to the Pitt Rivers Museum, which contains three floors of ancient treasures: shrunken heads (real ones!), samurai swords, armoury, cultural clothing, masks, toys, jewellery, bags etc. Below are detail photos of Textiles Art panels I created after visiting the Pitt Rivers Museum and purchasing a collection of Indian Silk fabrics. The panels have been incorporated into a new range of bags called the Rivers Collection (available on Folksy).

The 'Rivers' Collection (below) available on Folksy:

Below are some other treasures from Folksy that appear to be inspired by, or link to, some of the inspirational themes briefly mentioned in this blog!

Surfaces:







Flotsam Wall-Hanging (with detail photo) by Textile Delights (Tania Weller)

 Batik Fish Picture by The Old Forge Art Studio

Beyond the Sea - (detail photo) by C Creations

Red Grasses (detail photo) - Flotsam and Jetsam Textile Art by Ros Lymer

Felted Seashore Vessel in Grey - That Fuzzy Feeling



Bird's Nest with Eggs - Odette's Shop

Tri-Jurassic! Wood Framed, 3D, Three Panel Actual Fossil Picture - Nofkants Curios

Fossil shell in resin and sterling silver pendant by Damselfly Gemma

Fossil hunting in red hat - Original screen print by Lil Sonny Sky