Textile Artist Lucy Mason
Lucy Mason founded Prodigal Rugs in 1999, having trained with textile artist Rebecca Holland in Exeter. Unlike handwoven rag rugs, her chosen method is to either prod or hook textile strips through a stretched backing acting as a canvas for her work.
‘ To make a rag rug is a unique creative process. The slowness can be meditative – causing space for a profound exploration of the theme or inspiration of each textile piece.
My textiles start from a simple image or feeling that inspires me. Currently my focus is on landscape. The countryside of Mid Devon where I live is particularly beautiful with its patchwork of textures and colours that change with the seasons.
I constantly record new ideas in my notebook. When I sketch out the initial concept for a work it is often just fields of colour with intersecting lines, but with detailed notes about the colours themselves and the texture of the landscape.
Hunting through my fabrics (cast-offs and jumble sale finds) is always exciting, looking for relationships with the piece I have in mind. The use of recycled materials is key to the significance of my work – both from an environmental perspective and in providing connections and resonances of other lives and experiences that live on through each piece.’
prodigal rugs