Currently working between Nottingham and Worcester means I unfortunately miss a lot that goes on with my friends which can get really frustrating. Last week however I was able to spend a little more time in Nottingham which also meant I was able to attend my friends exhibition.
This blog is going to be my attempt at translating to you everything that I learnt from what Kelly told us on Thursday. Kelly Benjafield is a weaver, which apparently is a dying skill. It is definitely something you don’t see often and if you have never seen any weaves, put it on your life’s ‘to do list’ as weave’s are definitely something that need to be seen to be appreciated.
Kelly studied BA Hons Textiles at Nottingham Trent University where she first learnt the art of weaving, fell in love with it and chose to specialise as a weaver in her final year of uni. Kelly was lucky enough to experiment with large scale weaves, enjoying the challenges that she set her self. These weaves would range between 6 – 8 foot high and combined the techniques of weaving, free-style stitching on the sewing machine and hand stitching. Kelly also produces smaller pieces though it is the larger ones that get her really excited!
Exhibition at Antenna, Nottingham
The method of weaving begins in a similar method to most creative skills. You start off with an idea or inspiration and go on to draw, paint, and research further in to your ideas. After going through a whole development stage you start thinking about your final piece. For Kelly these would often be self portraits. She would then scan her drawings and paintings on to the computer where she could manipulate them on special design programs, reducing the colours and creating a suitable design ready to be woven.
Pen and Ink Self Portrait
Now as I understand it, the process becomes a bit of trial and error to work out the proportions of the image, as the weave can shrink the images. It is a very skilful process and after Kelly explained all the techniques and the whole process you begin to really appreciate the weaves and the time and dedication that has gone in to each one.
Since leaving university Kelly attended The Hive, which is a hub for entrepreneurs looking to start up their own businesses. She is hoping to continue weaving, specialising in portraits and is also looking to do commissions, so please check out her website and why not buy yourself a weave of your own!
Kelly is a loveable, energetic girl which is clearly reflected in the work she produces and it would be great to get some support behind Kelly and bring the spot light back to weaving to ensure that it is not a skill that is lost in years to come.
