News
Wakefield First's Maker of the Month: Sophie Gratton: Printmaker and Designer
12 September 2023
Sophie Gratton is a process-led printmaker and surface pattern designer from Wakefield. She specialises in creating her products from the home and accessory market. Her incredible work is showcased at the many events she attends and across he social media and website.
Wakefield First contacted Sophie to explore more about herself and her amazing creations.
"I am a process-led printmaker and surface pattern designer for the home interiors and accessory market. I focus my work around sensory experiences through texture, colours and marks, exploring themes of wellbeing and neurodiversity within my designs. I screen print all of my textiles by hand and use specialist surface finishes like foils and flocks to produce unique outcomes. I have always had a passion for art and design but I began to focus more predominantly on surface pattern design when I started college at Leeds Arts University. Not long after this I was diagnosed as autistic and my practice then shifted to explore sensory design and inclusivity through textiles during my degree course. I feel really passionately about making inclusive textiles to cater for a market that is often forgotten, and I hope that my products can begin to bridge this gap."
"I love Wakefield because it has such a flourishing and supportive creative community, it feels really close knit and there are always so many incredible opportunities that pop up here."
"My favourite project to date has to be my latest textile collection, Authentic Expression. This collection was a real passion project for me, exploring the experience of autism as a woman and how we can embrace and celebrate our differences. I was fortunate enough to exhibit this collection in London which was a great success and I can't wait to see what develops next as a result of this."
"I have so many exciting things in the works currently! To name a few i'll be taking part in the Wakefield Artisan Market on the 7th of October and Leeds Winter market on the 3rd of December at Leeds Royal Armouries. I also have an exhibition this November in collaboration with the Art House, the date is yet to be announced. I'm also working on increasing my range of stockists and I'm looking to plan more printmaking workshops because as well as making I also love to teach!"
To discover even more of Sophie's brilliant work, please visit her website and social media channels: