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.
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!