Artist Spotlight: Imogen Morris
WonderFil Specialty Threads
We all enjoy looking to other creators for inspiration! Here at WonderFil® one of our goals is to inspire sewers around the world, so we are always looking for new projects, patterns, ideas, and creators that foster creativity. Our Artist Spotlight series allows us to highlight some of the inventive creators we’ve discovered who have found new, and imaginative ways to use our thread. These creators go way beyond simple stitching and are a great source for inspiration no matter what art form you do.
The first creator we are looking to for inspiration is Imogen Morris! Imogen is a nail and thread artist located in the UK who uses our thread to create stunning portraits, and innovative installations.
These pieces begin as drawings, based off of photos that Imogen takes herself. She then adds nails where she plans to build up the image with thread, to create shapes and contours. Imogen says, “thread is the most important part” and that it’s the material she likes to focus on. The thread she uses must be strong, to hold up throughout the process of making a nail and thread piece. Colour and finish are also two important factors for her when choosing threads to work with. Accent™ and Razzle™ are her go tos! Both of which are thick, rayon threads with a strong structure, beautiful sheen, and a large selection of colours. These threads “play with light and complement each other well” to give shape to her images in this 3D format. Much like a painter playing with paints, she finds inspiration in different colors and combinations of thread. Often mixing colours and trying to use contrast to add to her pieces.
Imogen is inspired heavily by abstract painting and embroidery. And she aims to make these techniques more 3D, incorporating sculpture and installations. Each of her pieces look completely different in different environments, due to her use of shadows and her ability to place the thread in new ways each time a piece is displayed. Her piece “Joanna” is a great example of this!
Creating these pieces is an extremely lengthy process, much like creating large quilts or embroidery pieces. So, we asked Imogen how she stays motivated throughout the entire process.
“It’s a very long-winded process so I do struggle with focus. I think the motivation comes from the creative side. And just the scope of what I can do with my work.”
She highlighted how important it is to jump into projects headfirst. Especially when trying a new technique. “We have so many ideas floating around in our head and we’re just too afraid to do them, you need to be brave with it. The only way to actually achieve anything or develop your art practice is by getting on and just doing it”. It also helps to make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Although Imogen says her process is “pure chaos” strict schedules are what keeps her organized and focused. Especially as she begins to make more pieces for galleries, and events.
“The process of it is sometimes pure chaos, but maybe we just need to accept that that’s just how we work and that’s fine!”
If you are in the UK you can see Imogen’s pieces in galleries like the Degree Art Gallery in London, 7th Circle in Birmingham, or the George Thornton Art Gallery in Manchester. But she is always creating new pieces, so be sure to follow her on Instagram or check out her website to stay up to date on her more recent works! Imogen is continuously finding new ways to work with WonderFil Threads, as well as new materials she can pair with them. A great source of inspiration for anyone looking to step out of the box, and incorporate new materials or techniques into their sewing projects!