Imogen Campbell, a mixed-media embroidery artist based in London and Brighton, combines fine art with textile artistry to create vibrant and expressive works. Her art takes precedence through its musicality and introspective qualities, utilizing hand embroidery as a means of self-expression. We are delighted to have featured Imogen in our exhibition ‘Art Heals.’ We had the opportunity to discuss her artistic journey, creative process, and the themes she explores in her work.
A Passion for Textiles
“I come from a fine art background, having always painted and drawn whenever I could,” Imogen shares.
With a family of knitters and stitchers, she was naturally drawn to textiles. “It was only during the first lockdown that I decided to pick up embroidery—it was the most time-consuming hobby I could think of, and I fell in love with it.” This newfound passion led her to apply to the Royal School of Needlework’s Hand Embroidery degree, marking the beginning of her exploration into embroidery.
Themes of Meditation and Expression
Imogen’s work serves as a meditation and a method of expression.
“I find it very hard to verbally express what I think and feel,” she explains.
Through abstraction, illustration, and stitching, she channels her thoughts and emotions into her art. “The process of making each artwork allows me to meditate on what and why I have produced what I have, and present the viewers with something they can enjoy and interpret how they wish.”
A Dynamic Creative Process
Imogen’s creative process is characterized by spontaneity and a blend of fast and slow paces.
“I work extremely spontaneously and turbulently—if I feel something should be changed or added, I make whatever change I feel is needed at the time.”
Her preliminary stages involve oil pastels, collage, sketching, and illustrating, followed by the slow, methodical process of embroidery. “The juxtaposition of the fast and slow pace of working is something I treasure.”
Embracing Embroidery
While Imogen uses mixed media, including painting on textiles, oil painting, and printing, embroidery remains her primary medium.
“The intimate connection between my hand and the materials allows me to subconsciously express myself through every individual stitch,” she notes.
This tactile relationship with her materials is central to her artistic expression.
Evolving Through Confidence
Over time, Imogen has grown more confident in embracing mistakes and taking risks.
“Since embroidery is so slow, it can be quite frustrating when something hasn’t worked out as planned. But I’ve learned that things can always change or be reused in other ways,” she reflects.
A Special Artwork: “Dancing Dragon”
One of Imogen’s most meaningful pieces is “Dancing Dragon,” the first embroidered illustration based purely on a drawing she created. “It was barely an A3 illustration, but the way it was texturized and given life through embroidery made me realize that embroidery was the right medium for me,” she says. This piece solidified her love for using texture and materials over traditional pens and paints.
Musical Influences
Imogen’s main influences are musicians, whom she believes create the highest form of art.
“Music is a universal method of expression, and anyone can understand the feelings of instruments,” she explains.
The collection of works she submitted for ‘Art Heals’ was inspired by music, highlighting its visual impact on her creative process.
Challenges and Growth
One of the significant challenges Imogen faces is not comparing herself to others. As a young, introverted woman, she finds it crucial to have a method of expressing herself, using art as a form of therapy.
“Embroidery is inherently meditative, and the hyper fixation and focus I feel when creating really distracts me from whatever I may be experiencing inside myself,” she shares.
Connecting with Viewers
Through her artwork, Imogen hopes viewers find a connection to the pieces. “Even though each piece is a personal expression of my thoughts and feelings, I want people to recognize an aspect of themselves in it,” she says.
Cultural and Personal Influences
Imogen’s cultural background and personal experiences significantly influence her art. “I have always struggled with my mental health, so it has been vital to have a method of expressing what I am feeling as a form of therapy,” she explains. Despite the challenges of being young, introverted, and a woman in a society where other voices dominate, she has found her strength and voice through her artwork.
“Making art for me is a power play,” she asserts.
Vibrant and Rhythmic Embroidery
Imogen’s colourful and rhythmic hand embroideries are illustrative and meditative, reflecting her introspective nature. Her work transcends verbal communication, inviting viewers to engage with the multi-sensory experience of her art. Each piece is a testament to her dedication to the craft and her ability to channel her thoughts and emotions into intricate, textured artworks.
Imogen Campbell’s embroidery art is a harmonious blend of fine art and textile craft. Her journey from a fine art background to discovering the meditative power of embroidery during the lockdown has resulted in a unique body of work that is vibrant, introspective, and deeply personal. As Imogen continues to evolve and explore her medium, we look forward to more captivating pieces that resonate with the viewers on a profound level.
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