ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
FABIA. H. GOFF
HANDCRAFTING STRIKING, STORY-RICH ARTWORKS, FOLKESTONE-BASED ARTIST FABIA. H. GOFF CAPTIVATES AUDIENCES WITH HER UNIQUE AND THOUGHTFUL DESIGNS. BLENDING TRADITIONAL CRAFTSMANSHIP WITH THE MODERN VIBRANCY OF COLOUR AND TEXTURE, FABIA’ S WORK RANGES FROM HANDCARVED LINOPRINTS AND FINE ART PRINTS TO BOLD ILLUSTRATIONS AND TEXTILES, DRAWING INSPIRATION FROM BOTH HER TRAVELS AND KENT’ S EVER-ENCHANTING COASTAL BEAUTY.
Fabia, please tell us about your artistic journey so far. My journey has been shaped by curiosity and hands-on making. I studied product design at Brunel University and spent seven years in the design industry, working with brands including John Lewis and Laura Ashley, later collaborating with interior designers and highend stockists. This gave me a strong foundation and confidence to experiment with many styles. Like many, I shifted to freelance work during lockdown and launched my own company.
I’ ve always loved traditional craft processes and kept linoprinting part of my work throughout university and my career, often integrating it with graphic projects and surface pattern design. I was known as the‘ pattern queen’ in one particular design studio. Over time, I realised I didn’ t have to choose just one discipline; I let each idea guide me to the medium that best suits it.
Can you tell us more about your creative process, from initial concept to finished artwork? My process varies depending on the piece and what I want it to express. I enjoy switching between different media- no two days are the same. Linoprinting has a slower, more meditative rhythm compared to digital illustration or textile design. I usually use lino for personal or nostalgic pieces inspired by childhood memories, countryside walks or travel.
My textiles are influenced by South Asian patterns and colours, inspired by travels before lockdown. I always design with the final product in mind. I don’ t make something and then decide what to do with it; instead, I create with the purpose and material first. Recently, I’ ve adapted some graphic designs into templates for linoprint workshops- sharing the craft while managing my time- as original illustrations and linoprints can take hundreds of hours to complete.
My process starts with a spark; a place, a flower or a colour palette. I sketch extensively and then refine designs by hand or digitally. For linoprints, the image is carefully transferred, carved over many hours, then inked and printed. For textiles or digital prints, I adapt designs for repeat patterns and fabric types. I always work with UK-based printers and suppliers to keep production local.
You recently opened your first shop in the heart of Folkestone’ s Creative Quarter; how has the local art community influenced your work since? I opened my first solo shop in September 2024 and it’ s been an amazing experience. I planned the space to be flexible; not just a shop, but a place to tell stories and connect with people. I work in the window, run linoprint workshops at the back and hold client meetings in a relaxed setting.
I’ m inspired by fellow creatives in the Creative Quarter like Whelkboy, Shane Record and Aimee Craddock, who also work publicly. It’ s powerful to share not just finished art but the process of making. Folkestone’ s creative community is supportive and dynamic. It’ s encouraged me to be more visible and confident. I was honoured to be awarded Young Entrepreneur of the Year recently by The Kent Foundation, recognising my growth in a short time.
Spending more time by the beach and harbour, many recent illustrations are inspired by Folkestone, which feels like home and the first place I truly‘ fit in’.
You are also passionate about sustainability; can you tell us how you apply your ecofriendly principles to your work?
I prioritise eco-friendly materials and work with local suppliers to reduce waste. I use recycled and compostable packaging like paperbased tape and plastic-free mailing tubes. Keeping production local also helps reduce my environmental footprint.
What’ s next? I’ m working on more complex linoprints, experimenting with layering and colour alongside digital illustrations. I’ m developing new textile collections focused on interiors and hope to collaborate with heritage and design-led brands.
This September, I’ ll exhibit at Top Drawer and Design Shoreditch London, expanding into wholesale and bespoke work. I’ ll showcase a curated range of prints, textiles and illustrated goods for independent shops, galleries and interiors buyers. It feels like the right next step to share my work more widely while keeping it rooted in handmade design.
fabiahgoff. com fabiahgoff
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