insideKENT Magazine Issue 41 - August 2015 | Page 29

ARTS+ENTERTAINMENT

exclusive interview with

UK Fabric Designer, JULIA BRENDEL
The world inspires Julia Brendel. It’s evident in her art, her textiles, her patterns, and it is what she
loves. Well-travelled and keenly interested in every country and culture she visits, Brendel is able
to take the beauty of everything and every place, and imbue her art with it. Whether it is interior
design, silk painting, mosaics, or anything else she puts her hand to, the evidence of a life well lived
is there, bubbling beneath the beautiful shapes and tantalising textures. BY LISAMARIE LAMB
Julia Brendel

What inspires your art?
My current collection of textiles is inspired by folk
designs from different geographical destinations
around the world. I was particularly interested in
native costumes from Eastern Europe with Poland
(my homeland) as a starting point, followed by
Hungary (my father’s country), and others. I always
love travelling and many patterns came from
what I remembered from my journeys to places
in Africa, The Middle East or Asia; but also from
literature, architecture, the heritage of folk art and
everyday objects often made in a very intricate
and decorative way. I have a very soft spot for
anything old. I always loved antique or vintage
shops, which are emporiums of unexpected
treasures. Generally, inspiration can come from
anything and I tend to have new ideas almost
daily but I can’t realise them all at once. I am a
big fan of marrying the old with the new and I
would say ‘eclectic’ is my preferred style.
What is your favourite piece so far?
It has to be the ‘Flame’ cushion. This opulent
and striking design is made of silk and velvet on
English looms. The pattern was inspired by Polish
cutouts and is filled with rich colours and beautiful
Jacquard weaves. I love its big scale and luxurious
feel, and the contrast of bright colours against a
darker background.
Is there any kind of material you don’t like
working with?
Leather. I am a vegan and although I understand
that people want to work with natural materials
and view them as more luxurious or healthy, I

think that at our stage of civilisation, we can easily
survive without exploiting and harming other
species. I also have a problem when clients insist
on feather cushions, for the very same reason.
What are your plans for the future?
My plan for the future is to design more with a
particular cause in mind. I have an idea for a new
collection that is dedicated to a particular problem
in our current society and I would like to show
my concerns through my work. I am a huge
admirer of Vivienne Westwood and I think every
designer/artist should show a part of their own
‘philosophy’ or express their own views/opinions
through their work. I have that need in me at the
moment, so I am working on my new collection
which will be quite different from the ‘Origins’
collection. I also like to work on different projects
connecting interiors and fashion, meeting people
from related professions, artists, photographers
etc. I think we can learn a lot from one another.
I find the enthusiasm of passionate people
infectious and stimulating.
How has your work changed over time?
My work changes constantly as my interests drift
in different directions. I think I change all the time;
in the last two years, I became vegetarian and
then vegan. I am more sensitive to what is
happening around me and globally; I ask many
questions about how we live and why and what
future we are building for our children socially,
environmentally and economically. I think if I am
changing, my work will be naturally changing as
well. I view it as progress and as my own personal
development.

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Where can we see your work?
My work can be viewed and purchased online
at www.juliabrendel.com. I also sell through certain
interior design boutiques and shops in London
and around the country. The fu