Sara Impey

Sara is a textile artist specialising in quilt making. As a former journalist, she takes inspiration from language, working in densely machine-stitched lettering. Much of her current practice is a response to the language generated by social and political issues.

Her works are made on calico and free-motion machine stitched. They are sized from 40cm to 1m.

“The process of making is important to me. The pleasure of working with fabric and thread inspired me when I made my first quilt nearly fifty years ago and still motivates me and drives me on.”

She lives and works in Essex and has exhibited nationally and internationally She lectures and writes on contemporary quiltmaking. Her book ‘Text in Textile Art’ was published by Batsford in 2013.

“I’ve been making textile artworks based on quilting techniques for most of my adult life and in 2004 I introduced stitched text into my work. Free-motion machine embroidery enables me to use the needle as a writing tool, so that the words travel straight from my brain to the fabric. The lettering usually covers most of the textile surface and is integral to the design. Stitching is traditionally seen as decorative, domestic and painstaking: qualities I can exploit to subvert expectations. This includes making sure my work is visually appealing and well executed and finished.”

Sara Impey viewing room