Elle Kemp the Artist Behind Ridge & Furrow.

Last week, my journey led me over the border into Herefordshire to speak with Elle Kemp the artist and interior designer behind Ridge & Furrow.

Elle draws inspiration for her artworks from textile and wallpaper designs of bygone eras, translating their nostalgia into her printed pieces, utilising the backboards of antique picture frames.

Elle's artistic journey began unexpectedly when she acquired a large collection of frames at an auction, when she came to collect them she was surprised to discover that the amount of frames were far more extensive than she'd initially thought. Suddenly she had stacks lining the corridors of their home and spilling over into various rooms beyond...

This abundance sparked the inception of what Elle terms 'holding art'—a style she developed by painting textile and wallpaper-inspired creations directly onto frame backboards. This approach allowed her to craft pieces that could stand in until the perfect work emerged, at which point the backboard’s art would become an added extra; a secret held inside. 

As Elle delved deeper into her craft, she embarked on a journey of continuous refinement, often revisiting the reverse side of a backboard if the current creation didn't quite align with her vision. Through this process, she uncovered the alchemy that exists when her artworks are seamlessly paired with their intended frames, creating a symbiotic relationship that breathes life into her pieces.  viewing them as cherished pieces of beauty in their own right, each telling their own story through their wonderfully aged appearance.

Elle's admiration for distressed aesthetics and the stories behind antique items led her to craft artworks that capture the essence of these past eras, domestic patterns, repeat prints and textiles, showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of women. These subtle yet profound artefacts told the stories of their female makers offering a narrative that often remains silent within history.

Her pieces are so rich in texture and color, evoking a sense of nostalgia, it's as if they are unearthed treasures found in a dusty attic, hinting at a history of the past waiting to be rediscovered, pieces that are layered discreetly amongst the many gathered items of a home.

Exploring Elle's home, one can't help but notice how her artworks effortlessly blend with the surroundings, creating a harmonious connection between her living space and her creativity. Her home reflects her artistic sensibilities, with her art seamlessly integrated into the space, blending in as if they have always been there, her house mirrors the timeless quality of her work.

So much of Elle's home feels connected to her practice, a beautifully restored house where things that are 'new' look like they have existed as part of the house forever. Just like her artwork.

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Elle Runs workshops from her home find out more here

And you can also purchase her pieces here

@ridge_and_furrow