Textile murals with botanical flair
- Natasha's textile artwork softens and decorates rooms and objects
- Her art is built up in layers of materials, adornments and details
- As a teenager she painted a life-sized apple tree in a manor house
Natasha Hulse discovered the art of painting walls at an early age, as do many children. However, her circumstances were unique, since her parents encouraged her and her walls were decorated with historical textiles. Natasha grew up in a cottage on Breamorhouse estate, an Elizabethan manor house famous for its fine collection of paintings and furnishings. She has been inspired by the property ever since. Besides the relics of centuries of art history, Natasha was fascinated by the beautifully diverse flora and fauna that surround the estate. As a graduate of St Martins and Chelsea College of Art, Natasha began her career in fashion before focusing on home textiles. With bespoke headboards designed in collaboration with Firmdale hotels and window designs for Soane Britain, her work has attracted international commissions. "My expertise in collaborative projects has already led me to the most beautiful collaborations, such as the window decoration for Soane Britain or the partnership with GP & J Baker fabrics for the Chelsea Flower Show," she explains.
INTERVIEW
With a contemporary approach to traditional home textile design, I create three-dimensional appliqué artwork, which is normally based on botanical motifs and can be placed on walls, headboards, curtains, or lampshades. Hand painting, embellishment with luxurious fabric paints, hand sewing, and traditional embroidery techniques such as French knots are some of the techniques I use to construct my work.
It is still possible to see many of my very early works at Breamorhouse today. In my teenage years, I painted a life-sized mural of an apple tree there. Three-dimensional jewellery boxes serve as the apples of this mural.
To create a personal work of art, I always listen to the client's story, and try to visit the places and people involved in the assignment. I am equally concerned with the flora and fauna surrounding a house as with the colours and materials within it. Despite their opulent details, I strive to make my designs easy on the eye.
My craft comes in layers. By using different fabrics, colours, textures and even patterns for my textile art pieces, I am able to experiment with a wide variety of combinations without losing my own signature style. Collaboration is always a most enriching experience for me and I am eager to take part in further collaborations.
