Studio Visit with Karlie Simring

Words by Madeline Young and Karlie Simring, photographs by Madeline Young.

I am so excited to invite you to explore some exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of the inaugural solo exhibition by Karlie Simring. Karlie, an emerging textile artist from Sydney, has captivated us since 2022 with her participation in various group exhibitions and competitions here at The Corner Store Gallery.

Karlie's work is a masterful interplay of composition, texture, pattern, and materialism. Her distinct voice in the realm of modern textile art is remarkable. This solo exhibition is the result of her outstanding talent being recognized by our bi-annual Mini Series Art Prize in 2023. Selected unanimously by our panel of judges—Anne Masters, Larissa Blake, and myself—we are proud to present Unseen by Karlie Simring.

We invite you to experience Unseen, on view from July 31st to August 10th. For a preview of the exhibition, please explore the catalogue here, and for any sales inquiries, kindly reach out to Madi cornerstoregallery@outlook.com.

Karlie Simring creating stitch samples in her studio.

Tell us about your background, when did you start making art?

As a tiny human, I was always making and drawing, searching through mum’s fabric & haberdashery stashes, creating dolls clothes joined with tape before I could sew! Always busy creating, mum was my cheerleader.

After school I studied Fashion and Textiles at UTS in Sydney – a very creative environment, which challenged me and opened my eyes to the commercial world of design. My career in the fashion industry spanned 25 years – starting in kids wear and ending in intimate apparel. My early Design roles were mostly creative and very hands on during the analogue 90’s. Later I moved into head designer roles, which were leadership focused.

I was lucky to travel early in my career and continued to do so throughout, regularly visiting creative cities in Europe and the US, which expanded my artistic sensibility. After I became a mum, I was yearning to return to making and art - using my hands again. So, I began the journey, exploring craft, basketry, weaving, pottery and painting. In 2021 I decided to focus on my art practice and teaching creative workshops.

Detail of Karlie Simring’s textile artwork.

Can you describe your artistic style and how it has evolved over time?

Early on, I was drawn to playful, organic forms, with mid-century modernism being an important inspiration. I enjoyed the graphic aspect of design – organising shapes within a finite space, aligning with my minimalist aesthetic. Colour remains key, with soft tones and strong highlights being a consistent theme. After I attended watercolour classes I started to notice little details in my internal and external environment. This prompted me to explore shape and light in new ways within my drawing practice which expanded into my textile art. At the beginning of my embroidery journey, I experimented with different techniques and themes, gradually I focused on the interplay between line, texture and shape. My work is contemporary abstract.

Composition sketches and material samples in Karlie Simring’s studio.

How do you approach the creative process from concept to completion?

I draw and photograph daily life. I’m inspired by my walks along the harbour, the vase on the table, the soft light reflecting off the wall, my scribbles when I’m daydreaming, a cluster of rocks, the curve of a building.

I’ve built a library of drawings and images to reference. From these images and my inner world, I develop my ideas and mark making through painting and drawing, experimenting with shape and composition. Fabric is chosen and colour is partly decided, then the motifs are transferred to the cloth and the stitching begins. My process becomes intuitive from this point.

I love how doing one thing a little differently can lead to a new technique or path which can lead too another and so on. Soon you end up where you never thought or imagined you would. It makes for an exciting outcome when you remain curious.

You use distinct motifs throughout your work, can you tell us more about them?

I’m drawn to naturally occurring organic shapes reminiscent of nature and living forms. The minimalist nature of these motifs is a nod to the simplicity of mid-century modernism. These shapes may originate from my environment - natural or built, or my imagination. As an example, during lockdown, I drew from daily domestic life – water vessels morphed into organic forms that becoming a repeated motif in my work.

Textile artworks by Karlie Simring displayed in the artist’s home.

How do you handle creative blocks?

I just start drawing and if necessary, use creative prompts. Jerry Saltz’s book ‘How to be an artist’ is my go to. Visiting galleries and reading art books always inspires me, or experiencing creativity in other forms, live performance, film, podcasts.

My ideal artistic practice would be 9 months creating and 3 months to explore unrelated fields. I feel everyone benefits from a reset and change of environment throughout the year.

Can you describe your studio/workspace and how it influences your creativity?

I follow the light in my home and look for spaces, empty of teenagers. I love that Textiles, particularly embroidery is mobile, so I move from my studio space which I share with my husband to my bedroom window seat, which has beautiful light, to the lounge area which looks onto our garden. Sometimes I’m in the car stitching during basketball practice. However, having a dedicated workspace was a gamechanger – It’s when I started to consistently show up to create.

I fill my studio space with whatever is inspiring me – images, threads, found objects, books and quotes to motivate me. I like to have big boards with my drawings and colour palettes for easy reference – an essential borrowed from my fashion days.

What's next for you?

I would love to work larger. Also, I’m interested in exploring how textiles and ceramics can live together – some artists are doing exciting things, mixing up the mediums. Three dimensional form also intrigues me. I have too many ideas waiting in the wings!

View the exhibition catalogue for Unseen by Karlie Simring here.