Silke Savran
Kaffee Studio | Email | Website
Where and what did you study and what year did you graduate?
Master of Arts (Visual Arts), 2006, Queensland College of Arts, Griffith University.
Diploma in Fine Arts, 2003, TAFE NSW.
Bachelor of Arts Honours (Textile Design), 1994, Central St. Martins College of Art and Design, London.
Where did you head after graduating?
I worked as a freelance textile designer for British Airways and Designers Guild and as a community artist in East London. Here in Australia, I have continued working as a community artist and art teacher for various organisations. I am also involved in public art projects and I exhibit my own work as a visual artist.
When did you launch your own business?
In early 2007.
What motivated you to start your own business?
I missed working with yarns, colours, looms, constructing and the dying, finishing and enjoying beautiful fabrics. I had also noticed a lack of woven, eco-friendly fabrics here in Australia. I studied and experimented intensely with natural dyes back in England, long before it all became fashion. It was a pure necessity as I was suffering from eczema after working with chemical dyes.
How would you describe your business to someone who didn’t know you?
I set up my small studio office at home, with a loom, big table and computer. At the moment I am working on sampling a range of fabrics for interior use using untreated cotton and wool yarns made in Australia.
What are the most challenging parts of being a designer running a small business?
I find a lack of time to produce and refine my product that is the core challenge!
What inspires your design projects?
Life experiences, nature, fashion, holistic lifestyle, parenthood and travels around the world are my main inspirations.
What are the next steps for you?
I see my business growing into a large studio, showroom or store, and the employment of specialised staff. As one of my next steps I am planning to relocate to Melbourne for the obvious reasons of the climate, wool is more appropriate there, culture and opportunities within the design, fashion and art scene.
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