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Charlotte Karin Bull - Constructed Textile Art  

​I am a designer specialising in woven constructed textiles. My practice is centred around the contemplative philosophy of depicting memory, fabricating this through handwoven textiles using the delicate technique’s leno and painted warps. Translating the narrative through the essence sculptural transients. Articulating a mood through an immersive ambiance.

 I have developed a unique and personal approach to my process and concepts in textile weaving and construction, which stems from a highly personal and experimental focus. My work expands further into material colouration, structural manipulation, and studies of tactility from yarn, paper through to ceramics and glass. I have a passion to develop in advancement of material practice and in the directions, which challenge the definition of textile craft

Prior to an MA in Textiles at the Royal College of Art, I completed a BA in Textile Design at The University for Creative Arts in Farnham, Surrey, where I was awarded a First Class Honours Degree.

My Master of Arts dissertation The Memories we Share reveals the importance of Memory. A fundamental narrative, ability, and experience. Elevated by poets and philosophers as a phantasma. Exploring the relationship between recollections, life, and how we construct ourselves around memories. This received a distinction and the research continues to support my practice. 

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My Story

From a young age, I started making things. Using a sewing machine and feeling the different materials pass through my small hands. I have always been imaginative, I realised later that it was not only the making of clothes I enjoyed, but also the fabric itself. The colour and texture. This is the reason I picked textiles because I wanted to invent new materials. Play with materiality.

 

My surroundings are a principal part of my making. I am fortunate to have a beautiful wild cottage garden and live across from a nature reserve. I have always experienced a strong connection towards nature. Having grown up by my grandmother, I have been taught to appreciate the simple details around us and how to look after them. I was encouraged to explore, creating pictures with seashells, making clothes from scrap fabrics, and drawing with crayons on the patio.

Another form of inspiration comes from markets; as a child my grandparents would take me to antique fairs and car-boot sales, I love collecting old things. I pay attention to intricacies; underlying details and the stories objects may tell. As well as people and their memories, lived experiences engage me, the complexity of the visible and the invisible matter provides infinite possibilities to inspire my work.

My name also has a story I like to share; Charlotte; from French origin meaning petite, relating to my admiration for intricacies. Karin is my grandmother; derivation from Katheros meaning pure, this relates to my practise and honesty in the materials I use. Both names have an elegance, are traditional and have strong characters. I would like to fulfil my grandmother's dreams. Banished from Silesia in 1945. My grandmother’s family had nothing, so everything had to be handmade. She was lucky to partake in an apprenticeship to become a bespoke dressmaker. Her love for textiles and art has inspired me no end. Her aspiration was to set up her own studio, she is always supporting me as I follow my dream and make it reality. 

After graduating from the University for the Creative Arts Farnham in 2021, renowned for long-established hand-crafted skills. Achieving a first class BA (hons) degree in Textile Design, I am currently undertaking a Master in Textiles at the Royal College of Art continuing my passion for materiality, tradition, and innovation. With a strong focus on interactive textile art, highlighting memories; weaving these into the space I design.

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Achievements 

Education 

University for the Creative Arts

Farnham, England

Sep 2018 - July 2021

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) First Class Textile Design          

Royal College of Art

London, England

Sep 2021 - June 2023

Mater of Arts Textiles

Experience 

Teaching/Lecturing 

England and Germany 

July 2021 - Present

For several years I have been sharing my knowledge and passion for textiles, art and design across various platforms, lecturing for Universities, and being invited as a guest speaker to events. I also regularly work with local schools and institutions on delivering craft based activities, producing a variety of outcomes. (Some are listed bellow)

 

From September 2023 I will also be teaching full-time Product Design and Fashion/Textiles. 

Textile Curator  

New Ashgate Gallery

January 2022 - September 2023

Curated the exhibition 'Legacy of Textiles' and invited renowned artists to exhibit at the gallery across seasons. I was also involved in Art sales from Jan 2022 - May 2023

Farnham Sustainability Festival  

Surrey

June 2023

As part of a series of workshops funded by Farnham Council and South Street Trust, New Ashgate Gallery invited me to run workshops based on my suitable practise. I introduced participants to natural dye techniques; painting, shibori and tie-dye and eco printing. 

Thread Festival Workshop 

Surrey

June 2023

Invited to teach an Intricate Card Winding Workshop. Dyeing Yarns and Wrapping to achieve ikat patterns. 

Textile Kultur Haslach 

Austria

July 2022

Experimentierwerkstatt - Weaving on the electronically controlled Jacquard Loom

Artist in Residency  

Surrey

September 2022

Textiles Residency at Godalming College, leading workshops, offering short tutorials and experimenting with my own projects researching materials 

Awards 

2022

Master of Arts Dissertation 

Distinction 

2020

SDC  Design Competition

Highly Commended 

Exhibitions 

07/2023

06/2023

05/2023

Truman Brewery RCA  MA Graduate Showcase

New Ashgate Gallery Celebrating the Legacy of Textiles in Farnham 

Thread Festival Foyer Gallery Solo Exhbition 

02/2023

Farnham Maltings Gallery Unravel Festival Solo Exhbition 

07/2022

Cluster Crafts Fair London

07/2022

Farnham Museum Collaboration with Craft Council and Potters Gate Primary School 

10/2021

Salisbury Makers Tale Exhibition  

Contact

I am always looking for new and exciting opportunities.

Let's connect!

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