Emma Carlow is a creative force of nature. While she
trained as a graphic designer, developed product for
home décor icon Sir Terence Conran, published six
children’s books and had a successful career as a
milliner, Emma Carlow is happiest making and teaching
others to find similar joy in their lives. Her maker
persona was forged at that smithy of her grandmothers’
kitchen table. There she learned to sew and embroider,
and most importantly to approach the world as a
creative person who makes things and solves problems.
Emma’s mother further kindled her creative spirit both
directly and indirectly. She lived in Japan and collected
Mingei crafts and fostered Emma’s love of folk art.
For Emma her making found its focus in the world of folk art. For her, folk art is both her muse and her method. Folk art is art of and by the “people” of a given region. Most folk art is made for celebration, ceremony, use in daily life or for sale; and often the material used for making reflects the environment in which the maker lives. The symbols or motifs used in craft often represent the artist’ culture or their community’s world view. For example, in Sweden and England wheat is an agricultural staple and there are countless rituals that exist around its planting, sprouting, and harvesting. Logically wheat straw figures figure prominently in the folk art in these countries – think corn dollies: wheat straw ornaments, and more.
Opposite:
Emma Carlow and some of her creations.
Above:
Emma Carlow with her submission for RAC
Summer Exhibition
Photos Courtesy of:
Graham Carlow
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