Fleur Andreas MSDC

Fleur has been a potter for many years but reached a point in her creative life where she felt the need to expand her horizons and explore other possibilities for her artistic endeavours. This proved the catalyst for her to embark on a foundation course at University College for the Creative Arts (now University for the Creative Arts) in Farnham Surrey, where she had the opportunity to study and work in various new mediums, including print and textiles, and inspired her to pursue an entirely new artistic direction focussing on textiles. She continued her studies at Farnham after completing the foundation course, and graduated three years later with an honours degree in textile design specialising in weave.

The limitless, subtle colours and moods of nature and light have always been a source of great inspiration for Fleur, both in her life as a ceramicist and in her later work with textiles. The tactile quality of the raw material used in ceramics has within it the potential of fusing functionality with craft. This quality is also found in textiles, which has allowed Fleur to experiment in a more fluid form and to develop her creativity in entirely new directions. Fleur favours the use of fine natural yarns, including silk, merino, cotton and bamboo, most of which she hand-dyes. She delights in producing original, individual fine quality articles, including abstract wall hangings, curtain fabric and cushions, and items that may be worn such as capes, shawls and scarves. Fleur's aim is always is to create exceptional and unique pieces of artwork through her weaving.

Education
BA (Hons) Textile Design

Awards

Craft & Design Selected Makers Award 2016 Silver Award in the Textiles & Needlecraft section

Exhibitions

My work has been exhibited many times, including at The Mall Galleries, The Oxo Tower, Chelsea Old Town Hall, and Bankside Gallery in London, as well as various other venues.

Publications

Summer 2009 - Article in The Journal for Weavers, Spinners and Dyers

November 2011 - Included in the book Handmade in Britain edited by Piyush Suri published by Vivays Publishing.

2013 - Interview with www.textileartist.org

Sept/Oct 2016 - Craft & Design magazine, Silver Award article

October 2017 - Article “From conception to creation” www.textileartist.org

February 2018 - Crafts Council Directory. Included among the nominees in the Crafts Council’s “Top Maker Picks” in their Directory.