Ismini Samanidou

Athens born and London based artist Ismini Samanidou trained at Central Saint Martins and the Royal College of Art, specialising in woven textiles. Her practice touches on the boundaries of craft, art and design and involves developing textile works through commissions and collaborations. Ismini has travelled and researched textile techniques worldwide and is interested in the way weaving exists as an international language. 

Indigo, Map Stripe- 2003

Shown above is a collection of hand woven textile pieces inspired by peeling walls from Antigua, Guatemala. 

When reading 'Textile Visionaries-Innovation and Sustainability in Textile Design' I came across the work of Ismini Samanidou. I was instantly drawn to the simplicity of her line drawings and it was only when I further researched her, I discovered not only how beautiful her drawings and weaves were, but also how well her work linked to mine. Samanidou combines traditional craft skills and organic materials with digital design tools, creating sustainable pieces of art. I find her to be a massive inspiration within the 'art world' -

'I am intrigued by the possibilities that result when craft and digital technologies are combined. They often result in works that are made without wasting resources, and are fabricated more efficiently, making them last longer. Bringing the designer-maker closer to the kinds of digital and industrial technologies that can produce artistic works, creates a better outcome.'

I think it's incredible how Ismini Samanidou translates what she sees in her surrounding environment, into a weave. Although a lot of the skills and techniques that Samanidou uses seem complex, I feel that I can take a lot of inspiration and ideas from studying her work, and develop them to help with my own art.