By Ingrid Keneally
You just have to take a look at Gucci Fall Winter 2016, or the glam slippers getting a lot of fashion attention, to see that embroidery is definitely having its time in the sun. London-based, Mexican born Victoria Villasana is one of the very talented artists making wool feel special right now. Her 'photographic interventions’, featuring bright hand-stitched threads, are a celebration of multiculturalism. With a signature ‘Mexican Kitsch’ flair to her work, Villasana brings together traditional craft with contemporary high-tech digitalism. The neon pinks, blues, yellows, reds, oranges and greens - her distinct colour palette - woven into black and white portraiture lend a subversiveness to many iconic images, particularly when they are seen in all their large glory in natural street light. Villasana studied design at ITESO, Universidad Jesuita de Guadalajara, Mexico. Since then, she has created a cool style that could even be considered an exclusive design category, not just because they are made from all important fashion and art content but they are created in such a unique way.
- How would you describe the unique way you work with wool?
I use mainly portrait photographs and I 'dress' the characters by stitching wool to them, adding a 3D layer of colour and texture.
- Your early career highlight
Meeting and collaborating with so many creatives around the world.
- Did anything in your childhood influence what you do now?
Possibly, I’ve always enjoyed creativity in all its forms. I used to love drawing and painting and I used to make dresses for my dolls using very colorful fabrics.
- Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were starting out in wool?
To learn how to crochet properly.
- Why do you think wool/handmade textiles are so popular right now?
Because it’s phenomenal the quality, texture and colour that brings to anything.
- Your dream wool project
I would love to make street art in each capital city of the world.
- Which artists who work in the wool/textiles field have inspired you?
There’s a great community of women doing great things. I couldn’t pick one. I think in general the yarn bombing street art community is great.
- Your favorite woolen item in your wardrobe or home
Some hand-made cushions, they are my favorite because my grandma made them for me.
- How would you describe your work-space ?
Interesting, colorful and messy.
- The KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you
I love all the KPC colours but Gum is nice and vibrant.
Follow Victoria Villasana on her Facebook Page, Instagram and Blog.