This is precisely reason why I love Origin, the yearly craft design exhibition by the Crafts Council, so much and why I shall sorely miss it this year. To be fair, it wasn’t the first time that I’d come across textile artist Debbie Smyth’s work but nonetheless a welcome reminder and good to see it up close and in action. It’s such a simple idea and yet exquisitely effective and clever. This is textile art at its finest. Debbie has taken the art of the pencil and line drawing and turned it into a softer and more playful finished creative product that is not defined by either its context or subject. The world has embraced her talents with open arms and she now has a wealth of experience and commissions under her belt from gallery installations to smaller domestic artworks and has worked for a number of well-known companies, inc. Sony, Ellesse, New York Times, Not On The High Street, amongst others. There is a wealth of pictures of her work on her website so go and indulge yourselves with the simplicity and power of dress-making pins and thread. Bet you didn’t know they could look so good, eh?

Images with thanks to Debbie Smyth