Zara Merrick

Having originally trained as a jewellery designer at Central St Martins, Zara found she was drawn to fabrics for their intense colour and pattern.

Zara creates very detailed illustrations from appliqued vintage fabrics and embroidery. Colour, pattern and texture are what excite her, from creating tiny jewel-like pieces to larger works that take up to 6 weeks to make – every piece is entirely hand stitched.

Zara collects fabrics (they’re spilling out of every available space), searching vintage markets and fairs around Europe and America. She’s had some amazing fabrics gifted to her by people who want to see their treasures repurposed rather than thrown away.

Zara works in an organic way, stimulated by what she finds. She sews day and night saying “I’m obsessed and passionate about what I do”.

Zara’s work has been exhibited worldwide and is currently showing in New York.