everyone’s talking about... 3 KAMILAH AHMED
The textile designer on fusing contemporary weaving and traditional skills
Kamilah Ahmed’s north London family home was filled with textiles from Bangladesh when she was growing up – namely, saris. It’s having been surrounded by these, along with an extensive collection of Portuguese ceramics from her mother’s side of the family, that Kamilah keenly contributes to her now ‘painterly’ textile work. With her commitment to craft, it’s no surprise that Kamilah was announced as the first recipient of The New Craftsmen Award, a partnership with Cockpit Arts to open up opportunity and build greater diversity in the craft world. We find out more…
How did you get into textile design?
Originally I was set on becoming a fine artist. However, at Camberwell College of Arts, I swiftly specialised in mixed media stitch. After an MA at the Royal College of Art, I then moved into working mainly in fashion. I worked as an embroidery designer for European clients such as Christian Dior, Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana. My work consistently explores the connection between hybridity and heritage, and I think that this is intrinsic to my upbringing in London.
How did you pivot into creating work for interiors?
I have always wanted to push my work into a much larger scale to create pieces that can occupy a space without the restraints of seasonality or trend. Work that cannot only be worn but lived in and around. This is why I am working more and more in interiors.
What inspires your work?
I take inspiration from landscapes and craft legacies evoked in family photographs, textiles and my illustrations from Dhaka, Bangladesh. I’m also inspired by the art of Jamdani muslin sari weaving and the revival of this Bengali, Dhakai art. Jamdani combines weaving with hand embroidery simultaneously on the loom. My aim is to share a personal narrative through hybrid aesthetics that juxtapose contemporary techniques with hand-making skills.
What advice would you give to someone buying textiles for their home?
I would encourage anyone to support craftspeople/businesses that are invested in the preservation of traditional textiles techniques and using natural dyes. I would say choose textiles that will not only look beautiful but that can be passed down through generations. @otherhouseembroidery, @thenewcraftsmen; for the next round of applications, from 4 April, entrants can apply via cockpitarts.com