Sarah Campbell is the co-founder of the influential textile design partnership Collier Campbell, along with her late sister Susan Collier. Ilex Press have published a magnificent book of their achievements over their fifty years in the industry. Sarah now works independently at Sarah Campbell Ltd – a fresh chapter in her creative story, embarking on new design challenges, special commissions, and design for the high street. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Sarah Campbell.
Image Credits: 1) Sonia Delaunay 2) Ruark R7 High Fidelity Radiogram 3) David Garland, Master Potter 4) Hedgehog Brush 5) Margot Selby Rug
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
In no particular order - open-minded, energetic, experimental, thoughtful, hand-painted, practical, colourful, conscious, joyful, intuitive, skillful, imaginative, attentive, generous, personal, truthful, sometimes surprising...I strive for these qualities.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I carefully consider the brief – both what's said and what's not. I often have a strong first response which I believe is a good pointer to the final solution.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
My longest-standing creative co-operation was with my sister Susan Collier: we worked together for 50 years until she died four years ago. I continue to admire her imagination, energy, boldness, persistence and artistic aesthetic. I consider the impressive body of work we made together and with our studio and see that the outcome of a successful collaboration is a result greater and other than the sum of its parts.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I can get inspiration from pretty well anywhere; I don't have a particular method other than keeping my eyes open - and my antennae alert!
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
A rather single-minded attitude to my work, and a rather broad-minded attitude to opportunities. So my advice is – feel it - think it - do it!
