Lizzie Kimbley

MEET THE MAKER

I’m a textile artist and designer based in Norwich. I worked in project management until a career break when my daughter was born gave me the opportunity to focus on textiles as a second career. I started my business in 2019 after completing an MA in Textile Design.

I work with woven textiles and natural dyes to create artworks for galleries and interior spaces. Conscious of the volume of waste sent to landfill each year and the need to value our natural resources, I explore responsible textiles and circular design. Walking and a connection to place form the narrative behind my work. The slow, repetitive rhythms of both walking and weaving combine to create work that offers a moment of calm and quiet reflection.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEEDBACKS?

I’ve learnt so much over the last 6 months. I think the most important thing for me has been learning about vision and planning longer-term rather than just looking for the next thing. I now have a firm vision of what I want to achieve in the next 5 years and have a plan of how to get there.

FIVE THINGS YOU’LL BRING WITH YOU FROM THE EXPERIENCE:

• Work made using slow processes like natural dyeing and hand weaving take time to make so it’s important to understand costing and pricing really well. Know how long it takes to produce each piece of work.
• Make a vision board and a confidence board as well. Put them somewhere you’ll see them every day as it’s good to remind yourself where you want to get to and to remember your past achievements to give yourself a confidence boost every so often.
• I’ve been surprised by how much difference having a business plan has made to my mindset. So even if it’s just one-page I recommend setting some time aside to think about what you want in the future and how you’re going to get there.
• Find an accountability partner. It’s a great way to keep things moving forward, especially those jobs that are important, but that there never seems to be time for.
• Get your work out there and seen. Look at artists and designers you admire to see where they’ve shown work. Apply for opportunities, approach galleries. Be brave!