In the theme of Halloween weekend Aesthetic Oddities are bringing you something strange and unusual this week, we introduce Sophie Farmer who took the concept of craft and decided it would look much better standing on it's head. Sophie graduated from DeMontfort University with a degree in design crafts in the summer of 2014 and has been continuously developing her craft since she left.
Over the past few years there has been a rise in the use of found object work and to the amazement of the art world the outcome has been varied and brilliant. Sophie's work is in the same vain yet with her talented eye for the aesthetic and craft skills she creates beautiful sculptures made from everything and anything.
What caught the eye of the A.O team was her current body of work which links found objects with metal work and textiles.
Over the past few years there has been a rise in the use of found object work and to the amazement of the art world the outcome has been varied and brilliant. Sophie's work is in the same vain yet with her talented eye for the aesthetic and craft skills she creates beautiful sculptures made from everything and anything.
What caught the eye of the A.O team was her current body of work which links found objects with metal work and textiles.
We had a chat with Sophie this week and this is what we found out...
What initially inspired you to mix textiles and metalwork?
I was just sitting there one day in university with a blank mind, wondering what this project would unfold. I went out to get a coffee and to just think. On my way out I saw a rusty bolt and some old/rust nails in a pile, the colour just caught my eye and the way they were laying, it was by pure accident. Something happened there and then that changed my whole style of work. I got some gloves, picked them up and placed then on a piece of card I collaged with paper, fabric and hand sewing a while back. After that I never stopped. From then on I have carried doggy bags around to pick up rusty old bottle caps, screws, bolts, any piece of metal I come across. My little urban treasures that would of been left to erode are now serving a purpose for me and my work.
How would you describe your creative process?
I honestly just give myself time to arrange my collections. I have a catalogue of all my findings and buys in my mind. I can remember every colour, scratch and name of every piece I have collected, but I can never remember what day it is. Go figure. I usually start with a piece of reused paper, like an envelope, especially with stamps on. And just place connecting things with it, like a postcard, a pendent with a photo in it, some old coins, pieces of maps, I would title it ‘letters to home’ and with that becomes a theme for me.
Do you have a favourite material or process?
Well, my process really comes down to placement of pieces and seeing what works. I ever hardly go in with an actual idea unless it’s a commission piece with specifics. I take in to account, the size, age, colour and texture and little curious creation is born. I love hiding really small detail in my pieces whether they are wearable or in a frame, I love that people can look at the piece and see something new each time.
Where do you feel Sophie Creates is going?
I really have no idea if I’m honest. I just want a place to be able to blog my creations and inspire the people who enjoy the style of my work. I hope one day to have a lovely community of people to talk to and connect over found items and what they mean or could mean with in a piece. It’s an odd thing, creating something out of basically scrap and being so proud and pleased of how it looks. It doesn’t matter to me if it sells/is loved. People who know my style call me a magpie because of this process, that title just stuck, now I call my epic flock of followers magpies and end every post I do with ‘stay awesome magpies’ I guess it’s now my catchphrase! I love my style and it makes me so happy that I’ve created something so unique and odd, it’s just so cool! Having someone else enjoy my work is just a massive bonus!
It was lovely to chat with Sophie about her work we love to talk to the new creative's of the art world. If you are a new graduate no matter what creative medium it is in from animation to oil painting don't hesitate to get in touch.
Where to find Sophie
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/sophiefarmercreates
Webpage: https://finders-keepers.squarespace.com/