LORA AVEDIAN
I often start with a combination of things; materials, colour, or technique as well as drawings, I like working with materials I already have if I can. I collect a lot of materials that I like even if I don’t have a project for them, so I have a good stash to choose from. Then I use the sampling to develop the design. Drawing is a big part of my practice and I try to keep a sketch book for every project.
“I often see my work as bringing nature inside, it’s so nice to have the joy of spring in your home, no matter what the weather is outside.”
There is something really lovely about the quality of antique textiles, and about knowing you only have a limited supply of it. It makes the project more special and makes me thinking more deeply about how I am going to use the material before I use it.
I work in a studio we had built in my garden, it has beautiful natural light, which is so important for my work, especially when I am designing and looking at colour, having good light is important for me to be able to create a good colour palette. I also have my small garden in front of me, and just being near to nature makes me calm, focused, and inspires me.
I get inspiration from going to galleries and museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, I often end up in the glass and pottery section. National Trust houses and their gardens, or places like Charlston House are always a great inspiration. I also really enjoyed just walking around my local area and seeing the flowers and plants growing in the street or in people’s gardens. I always find some inspiration in nature.
Lora Avedian is a London based multidisciplinary artist, and author who graduated with a Masters in Mixed Media Textiles from the Royal College of Art in 2017. Lora has produced limited edition textiles collections for interiors and fashion, with companies such as the V&A shop, Barbican Centre shop, The New Craftsmen, Fortnum & Mason & Edible Treasures Shop. Lora wrote a how-to embroidery book Stitch in Bloom in 2021, published with Hardie Grant. She has showcased her work at London Craft Week at Howe 36 Bourne st in 2018, and Smythson of Bond st in 2022. She is also a QEST Craft Scholar.
