We caught up with Ekta Kaul who will be teaching The Art of Kantha in our online class 30 & 31 March 2021. We asked her about how she got to where she is today and her inspiration…
What inspired you to become a textile artist and designer and what influenced you as you started your journey?
I grew up surrounded by beautiful Indian textiles- many of them inherited from my grandmother, others that my mother collected prolifically and yet more that she embroidered and knitted throughout her life. I was interested in stories that cloth holds from an early age. Following textiles as a career seemed like a natural path.
How did you get to where you are today?
I trained in Textile & Apparel Design at the National Institute of Design (NID) Ahmedabad in India before coming to the UK to undertake a Masters in Textiles as British Council Scholar. I set up my studio practice right after I graduated, after receiving an award from the Crafts Council. Over the last 12 years, I have pursued my practice as an artist making stitches maps for public and private commissions as well as an educator sharing my knowledge and skills.
Can you tell us about your process? How do you get from idea to finished piece?
I begin a project with intensive research into history, architecture, spacial elements and texture of a place, sometimes lasting for weeks. I spend a lot of time experimenting with the materials, line quality and drawing the overall composition, before embarking on the final work. After the meticulous planning and intensive research, it is then time to allow for play. The embroidery and quilting I do is a conversation with cloth and I allow for things to emerge.
What have you been inspired by recently?
I love reading Wabi-Sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers by Leonard Koren. It’s my eternal go to book whenever I need inspiration.
In the brief interlude between Lockdown 1 and 3, I was able to visit Turner Contemporary, Margate to see the Quilts of Gee’s Bend in the We Will Walk exhibition. Such a moving show!
Do you have any encouraging advice?
The thing I like to remind all my students (and myself) is to embrace the creative journey and not worry about the destination or in other words the outcomes. If we worry less about which thread or needle or how to achieve perfection in stitches, but allow ourselves to play, make room for serendipity and approach the project in the spirit of being explorers, the journey is so rewarding and more often than not, leads to unexpected beauty.
The Art of Kantha with Ekta Kaul takes place 30 & 31 March 2021, 4-7pm BST, £160 for both classes.