Taiwanese artist Yu-mei Huang now lives in London and specializes in knit working predominantly with a domestic knitting machine. “My work explores the interplay of emotional connections with individuals and seeks to convey a sculptural and therapeutic perspective on textiles.”

Firstly, where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Taipei, Taiwan and in 2017, I made the move to London to pursue my MA. I’ve been living and working here ever since.

What is your background in textiles?

I first got in touch with textile through my undergraduate in Taiwan where I specialized in Textile Design, focusing particularly on Knit. As part of my studies, I had the opportunity to participate in an exchange program at Boras of University in Sweden, where I further honed my skills in textile and afterward, I completed an internship with a Tokyo based Japanese brand – Motohiro Tanji.

Following my graduation, I spent two years working as a textile designer before enrolling in the Fashion Knitwear programme at the Royal College of Art for my MA.

What is it about textiles as an art form that appeals to you?

Textiles to me are fascinating because they bridge the realm of art and craft which demand the artist/ maker to possesses a deep understanding of materials and structures. And it’s a form which is very close to people’s daily life. We interact with various textiles daily, and it’s intriguing to observe people’s reaction when I convey my artistic voice through familiar yet often overlooked mediums.

How do you describe your work?

My work explores the interplay of emotional connections with individuals and seeks to convey a sculptural and therapeutic perspective on textiles.

What techniques do you use in your work?

I work mainly with the domestic knitting machine and SHIMA SEIKI automatic knitting machine. However, I enjoy incorporating various textile making techniques into different projects. This might involve tufting, natural dyeing, weaving or hand embroidery.

How do you create a piece?

My process usually begins with extensive research and sketching to develop the ideas and concepts related to the theme. Following that, I dive into experimenting with various materials and love immersing myself in the knitting machine to create samples. I find the process of making samples all day incredibly inspiring, as it often leads to unexpected outcomes. Once the sampling phase is complete, I start crafting different shapes and forms, organically integrating the fabric with the desired silhouette and structures.

Where do you work?

I work in a shared studio here in London, but I also maintain a studio back in Taiwan.

I know this is a hard question but how long does a bigger piece take?

The time it takes to create a piece really depends on the technique and yarn I am using. The largest piece I’ve worked on took me around a month to complete the making process.

What are you most proud of in your art career so far?

One of my proudest achievements in my career is the “Real Magic” project commissioned by COCA COLA and CACAO Magazine. This collection was created during the Covid 19 pandemic and draws inspiration from window blinds, which serves to provide privacy and create barriers between individuals. The artwork consists of four wooden boxes assembled with knitted fabric, which create a private space for individuals when gathered together. The installation was accompanied by a performance in which a dancer attempted to open the boxes, revealing the fabrics within. The textiles were designed to expand and contract in response to the dancer’s movements, providing an interactive experience for viewers.

Do you have any advice for aspiring textile artists?

I would say keep working on what you believe in!

Is there anything you would like to add?

I recently had a collaboration with BAO during the London Design Festival last week, where I demonstrated how Taiwanese textile and food culture can be transformed into a modern perspective.

Additionally, I am currently working with the TextielMuseum in the Netherlands on an upcoming solo show in Taiwan. I will also be showing part of this collection during the Peckham Craft Show in November (TBC)

www.instagram.com/yumeihuang_studio