Taking surface design to a new level, bespoke studio, EvA, brings a sophisticated touch to its dynamic textiles through the use of layered embroidery elements. We had the pleasure of catching up with founders, Amelia and Ellie, following the completion of their recent collaboration with Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. 

Tell us a little about yourselves. Where did you study and how did you meet?

We met on Art Foundation in Brighton, England in 1999. When the course finished Amelia went on to study Textile Design at Chelsea College of Art, and Ellie, leatherwork at Cordwainers. We both went on to work in the fashion industry – Ellie trained in embroidery with Jenny King, and Amelia worked in various textile studios (including Pattern People). After a stint working in Paris, Amelia returned to London, and EvA was born in 2014.

What were your initial motivations behind starting EvA?

We had been admiring each other’s work for a while and it seemed natural at some point to combine our skills. Having both worked in the fashion world for a decade we were keen to slow our pace and create bodies of work with a longer serviceable life. We began creating, utilising digital technology and traditional textile artistry, to create a dialogue between fast and slow textile practice and the cross over of fine art, design, and craft. We started sampling with Ellie’s free hand machine by embroidering onto Amelia’s digital floral and abstract prints. The results were well received and a few commissions arose. 

What are some of your favorite projects to date?

Working on huge art pieces for the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore was challenging and a huge learning curve. Having a dialogue between so many dynamic, creative forces, and in such an iconic building, was an exhilarating and illuminating experience. 

Can you describe your creative process? How do you merge your talents?

We work quite intuitively, the print is often the starting point. From a photograph or painting executed by Amelia a print emerges that is then rendered digitally onto silk. Ellie then experiments with different types of threads and colour palettes – the resulting embroidery adds a new layer of texture, and dimension to the work. 

What is your typical day like?

We are both working Mothers of small children, and we live in different cities, so we communicate remotely but almost constantly. We use digital media to sort of sketch book out ideas and process. We are continually sharing and evolving ideas throughout the day. We both freelance and work on personal projects so it’s a juggling act. No two days are the same which keeps things exciting! 

Do you have any dream clients you’d like to work with?

We are currently exhibiting some of our pieces in Blacks, an historic private members club in Soho, which we have loved. If the opportunity would arise we would love to exhibit somewhere like the Craft Council or CAA. Collaborating with Liberty, being commissioned for somewhere like Soho House, or working on an interior with David Chipperfield would be a dream. 

Can you share some of your resources for when you’re in need of inspiration?

We look to art, photography, architecture, and fashion for inspiration. Ellie comes from a family of vintage textile traders so her Mother’s archive provides endless inspiration to delve into.

For Amelia, the daughter of an architect, buildings, and photos resonate keenly. She uses her camera to gather imagery using photographic collage and digital play to generate ideas. We collate and share ideas on Pinterest and Instagram.

___________

Find more of EvA’s projects here or follow along with them here.