I create realistic textile illustrations which are ‘drawn with thread’ using a domestic sewing machine. The designs are painted on cotton using procion dyes or acrylic paints mixed with a textile medium and embellished using free-motion embroidery.
My background in textile design and the watercolour illustrations I produce in my sketchbooks are the inspiration for creating the embroideries. I am fascinated by old architecture and nature; these are the themes that often appear in my work.
My work can be categorized into three techniques. The main body of work is detailed, using several layers of thread to ‘draw’ the details, resulting in a raised, textured appearance. The second technique is where the colours of the dye or paint dominate the artwork and the embroidery is used to outline a few features. The third is using soluble fabric where the finished piece is purely embroidery. This involves sewing a grid on the fabric, embroidering the artwork, and once completed, dissolving the base fabric. Unwanted sections of the grid are cut away, leaving a firm and flexible structured interlacing of thread. The intricate layering and blending of threads give the work the appearance of a coloured pencil drawing. I choose which method to use based on the subject I am illustrating.
Private commissions have included wedding gifts, pet portraits and illustrations of places of sentimental value. I enjoy working on community and heritage projects as I can set myself challenges on a different scale than I would for the private sector.
Projects
- CreativiTeaThis is a #CreativeConnections project initiated by Severn Arts and Worcestershire County Council during COVID-19 lockdown. It represents the positive strength of the community and how everyone has supported each other. Click on the pieces of the tea set to see more details and downloadable colouring sheets. Twenty Worcestershire-based artists took part in the project; you can find out more by visiting the links below.
Work history
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Textile ArtistMichelle Flint Designs
Bishampton, Pershore WR10 2LX, UKFreelance
Textile artist and illustrator. I design and make textile artwork using free-motion embroidery. My textile illustrations are of houses and buildings of interest; animals and portraits. I design for private and public commissions. The public commissions have involved designing for heritage projects and local arts initiatives. I also run workshops for a variety of textile techniques.
TeacherStratford-Upon-Avon College
- Stratford-upon-Avon, United KingdomFull Time
Preparing and develop teaching materials; delivering lessons; marking assignments and giving written feedback; writing reports; organising educational trips; communicating with parents and potential students; working with the Visual Arts team across courses to ensure good success rates; attending marketing events and promoting the College.
Subjects delivered: Fashion & Textiles; Adobe Illustrator; Adobe Photoshop; Printmaking; Illustration; Graphic Design; Art; Photography; Historical and Contemporary Contextual Influences in Art and Graphic Design.
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Skills
- Teaching
- Events
- Visual Arts
- Print Design
- Craft
- Drawing
- Printmaking
- Woven
- Design
- Textile Design
- Illustrator
- Indesign
- Photoshop
- Bespoke Textiles
- Textile Illustration
- Public Art
- Embroidery
- Dyeing
Education
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BSC Honours Textile DesignThe University of Huddersfield
- Huddersfield, United Kingdom
Specialised in weave construction. Studied design, knitwear, spinning, fabric construction and dyeing. One-year work placement in designing fabrics for interiors.