For our next Crafted Collectable, we are delighted to present works by Sophie Rowley from her 'Khadi Frays' series. The collection of textile wall pieces were developed during a recent one-year stay in India. They are inspired by the Khadi Spirit, an Indian term which describes the state of illimitable patience.
"Making the 'Khadi Fray' Textiles is my meditation. Through the repetition and detail in my actions, a known matter takes on new visuals, thread by thread." - Sophie Rowley
In this series, Sophie reverses techniques of conventional handweaving. Instead of building up the material thread by thread, a solid block of multiple weaves forms her starting point. Each layer undergoes a carefully calculated destructive process, during which threads are patiently removed, leaving frayed finishes behind.
By deconstructing these material blocks, multi-dimensional textures are created, gradually dwindling down to the base layer. The differences in weight and tension of the warp and weft lead to subtle variations in shade and, dependent upon the perspective angle, reflections on the surfaces occur. Within this self developed technique, Sophie explores different placements and plays with form and shape, often inspired by geometry.
Sophie has exhibited in international group shows, including at Roche Court New Art Centre, UK; The Israel Museum, Israel; Design Museum Gent, Belgium; Isamu Nugochi Stone Heaven Tokyo, Japan; and Kettles Yard, UK. She has received a number of awards, including the Afri Cola Design Award Berlin, 2011 and the Createurope Award from the Goethe Institute Berlin, 2009. In 2019, she was shortlisted for the Loewe Craft Prize.

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