Fiona Rutherford uses a historical weaving technique to create tapestries for contemporary interiors. She loves the emotional impact of colour, creating an immediate sense of energy through a vivid but limited palate. Highly narrative, Rutherford’s work references people, music, words, events. She is fascinated by the intimacy of weaving and storytelling, bringing together the past and present to create something new and still unfolding. The imagery is a careful balance of patterns, symbols and mark making.

Japanese art and textiles have been a major influence on Rutherford’s work over the past decade, and in particular the visual aesthetics of space. Woven strips, based on the obi or kimono sash, became a vehicle for randomly connected imagery suggesting the border of a larger unseen design. These tapestry strips can be hung vertically or horizontally in different locations to create a completely different visual effect.