In this episode of Textile Talk we sit down to chat to artist Ellie Hipkin and explore her richly layered world of textile and mixed media art.
Working from her garden studio in Brighton, Ellie draws deeply from the natural world. Coastal walks, seasonal colour shifts, and delicate seed heads all become part of her creative language. Blending painting, mono-printing, free motion embroidery and hand stitch, her work moves fluidly between fine art and textile practice.
We got the opportunity to discuss the evolution of Ellie’s creative journey. From her early love of stitch and her career in fashion design, to building a thriving art practice and founding the Flourish Textile Art Hub. She shares her thoughts on composition, process, and the importance of working slowly and intuitively. We also hear how she gathers inspiration from nature, balances the demands of a creative business, and supports others through her teaching.
Ellie Hipkin
Textile Talk with Ellie Hipkin
Listen to the episode on your favourite podcast platform or click the link below to listen now.
From Fashion Design to Textile Art
Ellie’s creative roots were nourished early by inspiring teachers who introduced her to the tactile possibilities of textiles. After studying fashion design at Nottingham Trent and working for several years in the garment industry – particularly with manufacturers in India – Ellie rediscovered the joy of designing for herself. Her transition into fine art came organically., Personal challenges prompted a return to creativity. It was then that she began to blend her love of painting with stitch, discovering a visual language uniquely her own.
Inspired by Nature’s Shifting Seasons
Walking the South Downs and Sussex coastline plays a central role in Ellie’s artistic process. She collects seed heads, grasses, and fleeting impressions of light and landscape. She often uses gathered plants for mono-printing or as stencils. Colour drives her creative response, with palettes shifting with the seasons. Her goal is not to recreate a landscape, but to evoke its emotional resonance.
In the episode, Ellie reflects on the freedom and sensitivity this approach brings to her work, and the discipline required to strike a balance between detail and restraint.
The Art of Layering: Composition, Texture and Play
Listeners will discover how Ellie composes her pieces. Beginning with abstract fabric painting using textile-specific paints, followed by layers of sheer appliqué, free motion embroidery, and hand stitch. Her process is meditative and intuitive, but always rooted in thoughtful design. She discusses how she avoids overworking a piece, preferring to pause, step back, and revisit with fresh eyes.
By working on several pieces at once, she creates space for experimentation—allowing her to develop ideas without pressure or preciousness. It’s an approach that nurtures innovation and makes room for serendipity.
Techniques Grounded in Practice
The episode offers valuable insights into Ellie’s materials, tools, and techniques. From working without a hoop on heavy canvas, to using continuous-line sketching as a foundation for free motion embroidery, Ellie reveals the tactile intelligence behind her textured surfaces. She shares her preferences for thread, fabric types, and machine settings and showcases the depth of thought behind even the smallest details.
Teaching with Intention and Heart
Alongside her own artistic development, Ellie offers workshops that prioritise play and exploration over perfection. Whether in day sessions or immersive summer schools, she encourages students to create multiple mini-artworks rather than focusing on a single polished piece. This, she believes, is the key to unlocking creativity and letting go of the fear of getting it wrong.
Looking Ahead
Now a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen, Ellie is focused on deepening her practice and embracing new opportunities to exhibit. Her work continues to evolve, but remains rooted in a love of nature, process, and storytelling through texture.
Links
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Follow Ellie on Instagram @elliehipkinartist
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