Well the Autumn is definitely upon us and there is a serious chill in the air for this Halloween week, so how about some warming goldwork with some gorgeously creepy spiders to help brighten the day? Welcome back to Goldworx and today I am going to introduce you to my first featured artist, the super talented Alex Standring.
Alex is an embroidery artist originally from the Lake District but now based in London. A recent graduate from the world-renowned Royal School of Needlework, Alex has firmly established herself in the embroidery world, completing work placements and freelance positions for designers such as Alexander McQueen, Ralph & Russo, Hussein Chalayan and Zandra Rhodes (to name but a few)! In her own work she creates stunning high-end luxury statement pieces which she uses to reinvent and update traditional embroidery techniques. The level of goldwork in her work is obviously what caught my eye, this girl has some serious skill.
Her final year project at the Royal School of Needlework was such an exceptional and beautiful use of goldwork. Entitled ‘Faith and Fears’ it was a series of sculptural, wearable headpieces. Alex explained to me “It explores the idea of the conflict and contrast between these two themes and takes inspiration from the Byzantine mosaics in Sicily and my phobia of spiders. Through intricate designs and use of embroidery it shows how my fears are overcome by changing the perspective and making them into something so exquisite and beautiful.”
From stunning angel wings to beautifully creepy spiders Alex has created a collection of work that is both captivating and intriguing. It’s not surprising that Alex is a finalist for this years Hand & Lock Prize for Embroidery in the category for Student Textile art.
Alex is currently working on her new collection, a series of goldwork art pieces inspired by a recent trip to Cyprus and a visit to the Roman site of Ancient Kourion, specifically focusing on the composition of Roman building work. If that wasn’t keeping her busy enough, Alex is also applying for an MPhil in Textile Conservation at the University of Glasgow – she’s one clever lady and definitely one to watch.
If you want to find out more about Alex’s work head on over to her instagram or her website.
