Jessie Chorley is a London-based textile artist and author. Hand embroidery as a form of drawing, appliqué techniques and printmaking are at the heart of Jessie’s practice as an artist-maker.
Needle and thread are her drawing tools. She uses them to create scenes and stories, combining stitched images and words, largely on preloved fabric. Collecting is something that goes hand-in-hand with Jessie’s making process. She is drawn to items that display marks of a previous life and often sources materials from antique markets, fairs and junk shops. Her ever-growing personal archive of ‘found’ items serves as her ongoing inspiration and is frequently her starting point for an artwork.
In this video Jessie shares her ‘Stories, Drawings, Marks and Experiments’ exhibition with us.
Jessie Chorley: https://www.jessiechorley.com
Jessie Chorley
“I find beauty and inspiration in things that have been discarded or put to one side. Fabric cut directly from time worn and discarded clothing is my most frequently used material.” ~ Jessie.
Born in Kent in 1980, she spent her childhood in North Wales.
The traditional technical skills and hands-on approach she celebrates in her work today, were passed down to her from her own family of makers, during her home schooled education.
While still a student – studying for the BA in Fine Art Textile Practice at Goldsmiths College, London – she chose to dedicate her life to making things and, shortly after graduating, she set up her own business as a full-time artist, designer and maker. Over time, she has also become a tutor and published author, as well as running a shop/studio, selling her work in East London from 2007 to 2021.
Journal With Thread Book by Jessie Chorley: https://amzn.to/4jSK7bJ
Jessie now runs her business from her private London studio. She regularly delivers masterclasses from there, as well as at venues worldwide and recently published her first book with David & Charles publishers.