Expressions of grief, of place, and of the future come together in Elle Campbell’s art-meets-fashion practice. The artist burst onto the scene last year after graduating from textile and fashion design studies at Perth’s Central TAFE.
Elle caught the attention of the WA fashion industry with her SOLACE exhibition. Next came her solo show and Telstra Perth Fashion Festival runway debut IKIGAI, followed by a popular scarf range, OUTBACK YUGEN, in collaboration with boutique Dilettante.
While fashion has been a strong thread during the first year of her practice, Elle doesn’t consider herself a fashion or textile designer. ‘I’ve always had a much deeper connection with line, form and colour. I studied art in school, specialising in sculpture, followed by multimedia design at university. I am drawn to the tactile and hands-on process of art-making,’ she explains.
The artist describes her style as abstract, with emotive markings of various intensities. She paints in acrylic, aerosol and pastel, crediting her parents steadfast encouragement during her childhood years for her ability to experiment, play and create. Mentorships from artist Anya Brock and lecturer Kristie Barnett, and stints working alongside Sydney textile designer Karolina York and other local creatives have also helped propel Elle’s career.
Elle’s dream project would be to recreate her work on a grand scale. ‘Hotels, foyers, lobbies… Spaces where I can paint a dozen pieces – think six-metre to 20-metre silk hangings,’ envisions the artist. ‘I feel passionately about not only creating strong visuals, but being able to bring a theme and mood to an entire space; That’s a dream I intend to paint!’
Elle is currently exhibiting bespoke garments as part of China Musings: A Fashion Journey at Brookfield Place from January 28 to February 12. She’ll also be launching Walyoo, a collection of silk canvases and garments, at Joonadalup Art Gallery in March.
To see more of Elle’s work, as well as what is currently available in her stockroom, visit her website here.
