Moon (2020)
150 x 150 cms
wool
Olivia Babel
Italy (2018)
80 x 120 cms
fabric, wool and metallic thread
France (2018)
100 x 80 cms
wool and fabric
Madagascar (2018)
85 x 150 cms
wool
Belgium (2018)
70 x 65 cm
fabric, wool and metallic thread
Greenery (2020)
160 x 185 cms
wool
Pink Heart (2020)
125 x 120 cms
wool and velvet fabric
Untitled (2018)
120 x 70cm
wool and fabric
Unreal Territory (2019)
40 x 30 cms
wool and thread
French tapestry artist Olivia Babel is based in Lyon and her textured art is based on maps and territories. “All my tapestries represent various territories like a metaphor of myself and my various cultures.”
What is your background in textiles?
I discovered textile art when I was a child through my grandmother who was an artist and an embroiderer. I really felt it was my passion when I was very young. I decided to study at the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-arts of Lyon with a Textile design diploma and specialised in Fiber Art at the Ecole Supérieure des Beaux-arts of Angers.
What is it about textiles as an art form that appeals to you?
I love textures and develop techniques in order to create my own textures. I love all the possibilities of wool. Natural wool is the principal element I use for create my tapestries. I also like to mix different types of wool with threads.
What techniques do you use?
I weave my tapestries on looms. All my creations are hand woven and I use rare French techniques in order to perpetuate endangered techniques and to create quality and atypical pieces.
How do you describe your work?
My artworks are like an extension of myself. To weave tapestries is my way to create and to express my ideas. I am inspired about territories and cartography. All my tapestries represent various territories like a metaphor of myself and my various cultures.
How do you create a piece?
I start with sketches and tapestry samples in order to find good colours, techniques and textures. Then, I print a large version of my drawing to start the tapestry on my loom.
I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take?
Good question. It takes between one and two weeks to create one square meter.
What are you most proud of in your art career so far?
My career has just started… but I am proud to always follow my passion and to have decided to practice a profession in agreement with myself.
Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists?
Work hard, trust yourself and be curious.