Spotlight: Russell Barratt, Textile Artist

Russell Barratt has been a maker from a young age. He creates expressive and joyful art from textiles and clothing. And, you’ll usually find some happy polka dots in his work!

How did you find yourself on an artist’s path? Always there? Lightbulb moment? Dragged kicking and screaming? Evolving? 

I’ve always enjoyed making things and expressing myself through the things I’ve made.

I loved drawing, collage, and sewing from a young age, and that has continued with what I make now. My mother always made clothes and did lots of DIY projects. When I was little, I was brought up with a have-a-go, mend-things attitude.

I’m always full of ideas. Finding enough time to create is a big issue.

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What do you do differently? What is your signature that makes your work stand out as yours?     

Others tell me my work is very expressive, joyful, and unusual.

I’m always looking for new ways to progress my work and make things I enjoy. Sometimes I’ll have a story to tell, other times it’s about colour and shape. I blend many different inspirations and influences. I come back to dots again and again.

How does your environment influence your creativity?  

I’ve always used my living space as a creative mood board, keeping favourite images, photos, and fabric samples around me for inspiration. At certain periods of life the walls have become works of art themselves, with huge collages on display. At home I love having colour and clashing patterns layered on top of space to let the eye rest, this is often true in my quilts too.

Do you plan your work out ahead of time, or do you just dive in with your materials and start playing? 

A bit of both depending on the project. Often I collect together some fabrics I’m liking and they tell me which way to go. I keep many books of my samples and drawings then delve back in for time to time to spark new ideas. I use an (almost) daily practice of half an hour sketchbooking to keep notes on ideas.

How do you manage your creative time? Do you schedule start and stop times? Or work only when inspired? 

If I could, I’d work all the time! It’s hard to find enough time. I use so-called spare time to prepare things – organize fabrics, cut up clothes, look through research books, etc.

Are you a “finisher”? How many UFOs do you think you have? 

I’m definitely a starter rather than a finisher. I always have at least 4 or 5 projects on the go at once. If I hit a wall with one I’ll move on to another. It keeps me excited. Every so often I’ll have a week of lots of finishing, binding pieces, and attaching hanging sleeves

Do you have a dedicated space for creating? If so, what does it look like? 

I work from home in a multi purpose living space. My partner has to put up with many quilts and lots of fabrics around the place! I have a desk to work at but usually work on the floor or hang a plain quilt on the wall and pin projects to it.

How do you make time for creating? Do you try to create daily?  

I try to carve out time every day to be creative whether it’s actual creative decisions, the nitty-gritty of construction and making or just preparing stuff for when I have more time.

Do you use a sketchbook or journal? How does that help your work develop? 

I enjoy using my sketchbook mainly for doodles of ideas, but I will occasionally sit down and draw or make random notes. I keep a notebook with me, even on my bedside table so there’s always somewhere to sketch ideas. I make collage ideas and use lettering in my sketchbooks though I keep saying I want to use letters in my quilts, it rarely makes it into the composition.

Can you tell us about the inspiration and process of one of your works? How does a new work come about? 

Once I have an idea, or the fabrics have shared their idea, I will add and remove fabric scraps until I’m happy with the composition.

I’m usually looking for a combination of opposing colours or shapes that create an overall harmonious piece. I like to often use large dots as a top layer to create harmony and pops of colour.

Which part of the design process is your favorite? Which part is a challenge for you? 

I like pulling out the fabrics, and the ideas in the first instance, that’s definitely my favourite part – the flurry of creativity. The quilting part can sometimes become boring, though I always love the texture it brings.

Where do you find your inspiration for your designs? 

Ideas come from everywhere! Most often the inspiration comes from the textiles I’ve collected and what memories they evoke for me. 

How has your work changed over time? 

After beginning quilting with no idea of what is the correct perceived way to do it, I took some time to try some more traditional blocks and construction but quickly realized this wasn’t really for me. I’ve gaining confidence over time to keep trying new things and go my own way.

What do you do to keep yourself motivated and interested in your work? 

I find that being creative is self-perpetuating.

I often think of new ideas when I’m working on a project and have to make some notes to hold the idea for later. Also, going to as many exhibitions as I can is useful. I often play a game when I’m traveling or waiting somewhere – take the scene in front of you, a wall, some plants, some buildings whatever, and decide how you would make a piece of work from it. I think about shapes, layers, and how I’d interpret the scene.

Do you critique your own work? What is your process? 

After making each quilt, I always take a moment to consider what, if anything, I’d change or do differently if I had to make it again. I find this process quite valuable for progressing future work.

How do you know when a piece or project is finished and needs no additional work? 

Theres an intuitive finishing point I suppose. Having a deadline is often helpful.

Learn more about Russell on his website russellbarratt.com, and follow him on Instagram @russelljamesbarratt.