Artist Carmel Killin has a background in film, graphic design, creative writing and education. About 5 years ago she started printing textiles, producing stunning one-of-a-kind and limited edition graphic cushion covers and fabric panels.

“I have very curly hair that drives me nuts. I live in the inner-east in the city of Sydney, the harbour is just down there, superb cafes are just around the corner, the streets are lined with dramatic trees. People often ask me why I've called my business Feed the Dog, if I'm feeling lazy I just say "because" but when I'm in a more expansive mood I explain the long tedious process of trying to find a distinctive name, and how one night, in desperation, flicking through my sewing machine manual I chanced upon a pictorial explanation of the function of the feed dog mechanism. I inserted one little word and a brand name was born. My Chinese star sign is also the dog. Worked for me! I don't have a dog but if I did I'd feed it well.”

Carmel draws her inspiration from many different sources, and is currently fascinated by lines and shapes of children's drawings, insects, sheep, skylines and isolated objects in vast landscapes. “I love to flick through old National Geographic Magazines in search of some odd, unnoticed object in the background of a photo or the pattern in a rug on an earth floor, for example. Love extreme repetition in both the natural and man-made environment. Neutral, murky colours, wildly contrasting patterns. Silhouettes and simple, common shapes.”

In her work, Carmel creates depth, texture and movement through the subtle layering of prints & fabrics and combining a range of different techniques such as screen printing, lino-printing, applique, hand and machine stitching, hand painting, mono prints, frayed edges and distressed ink printing. “I find the challenge of an empty, flat piece of fabric very exciting, incorporating different textures & techniques without the whole thing looking like a mad, uncontrolled mishmash of visual ideas. If the finished piece suggests a story or makes you smile, this is the icing on the cake for me. I guess my approach is very much like collage – I love to pluck images, techniques and fabrics from different sources and play with these elements in a new context.”

Carmel only works with eco-friendly, non-toxic, water-based inks as the colours are vibrant, durable, have a soft handle and are better for her own health and the environment. “I mostly print onto strong, textural, 100% cottons and cotton/linen blends, though I also work with finely-textured corduroy and slubby, lightweight linens. Upholstery fabrics are great for strength, texture and subtle shading and this greatly adds to the depth, complexity and tactile appeal of even the simplest design.”