We are so excited to be featuring this awesome lady as part of our April Art Walk event, Maison Du Art. Stop by the shop the evening of April 13th to see more from our featured artists. This month is a bit different and our theme is all about home. Learn more about Ashley Campbell, the self-taught macramé artist and one women creative behind The Beige Motel in this interview below!
Oh and sign up for the macramé wall hanging workshop at Standard Goods (hosted by Ashley) before it's all sold out!
Tell us a little about your background and what initially sparked your interest in Macramé'?
I have been an avid thrifter my entire life, I love anything vintage and old, especially from the 50s, 60s and 70s. A few years ago I found some vintage macrame books at an estate sale along with some old jute. After much diligence I managed to make my first plant hanger and the rest is history!
For those who don't know what Macramé is can you explain?
Simply, it's the art of knotting. It made a huge comeback in the 1970s ( which is the decade most people associate with macrame ) ; you could find macrame knotting used to make anything from plant hangers, owls, pillows, purses and bohemian summer tops!
What is your personal style? And how is it reflected in your designs?
I strive to modernize vintage macrame techniques and designs. My designs are clean and modern. I do love some of the kitschy 70s macrame stuff, so sometimes it sneaks its way in there.
If you could choose to live anywhere in the world where would it be and describe your dream home?
Some place warm! I've lived in the PNW most my life, so I would probably opt to live someplace dry and sunny, like the desert. My ideal home would have lots of natural light, because I am a bit of a plant hoarder, with lots of bright accents, high ceilings and mid-century modern furniture throughout. A yard would be lovely because I would inevitably have like three dogs and six cats.
What is your creative process like? Do you sketch out your designs before you start a piece?
I should start to draw my designs ha! My brain is pretty unorganized and if you saw my studio you'd see the mess of rope, string and working racks everywhere. I'm very much a "choose your own adventure" designer meaning that I make it up as I go. I do typically start with a broad idea in mind and let it unfold at my fingertips. The unstructured nature makes it fun.
What does being a maker mean to you?
It's the satisfaction of turning my creative ideas into actual items. The "Makers Movement" is real and thriving! In a world of cheap mass produced products I believe it's important to support the small business, where the maker to consumer relationship can thrive once again. No middle man! Quality, locally sourced goods are where its at.
Do you have a preferred material that you like to work with?
All natural ropes and fibers are my go to. For anchors, I use wooden dowels and found pieces of driftwood from the beaches of the PNW.
What are your hopes and ambitions for your brand The Beige Motel?
I would love to get more into styling and staging ( perhaps for storefronts or hotels ) ; making large-scale macrame installations. My goals for the near future include fine tuning my online branding and getting my pieces into more brick & mortar shops!
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
It's not that exciting, but most people are surprised that I am a macrame artist haha. I don't advertise it that much in real life. I'm not like, "HI I'M ASHLEY AND I MAKE THINGS OUT OF ROPE".
IG : @thebeigemotel