Based on the Cornish coast, Madeleine Kemsley is an illustrator and textile artist whose work draws inspiration from a blend of traditional folk art and mid century design. This unique combination brings a playful yet classic feel to her creations, reflecting a love for both whimsy and tactile craft.
Who or what inspired you to pursue an art career?
It felt instinctual to pursue a creative career, even though growing up, I didn’t know many people in creative fields. From a young age, I’ve always been drawn to colour, texture, and tactile things. I never really considered any job that wasn’t creative. Studying illustration at university was an important step, but over time, I felt the pull towards textiles, blending my love of simple illustrations with embroidery. This shift allowed me to find a space where I could combine my creative passions.
Can you share an important moment in your life or career that shaped your artistic or entrepreneurial path?
After graduating from university, I moved to Australia and worked on a lemon farm. When I returned to the UK, I found myself stuck in a cycle of working long hours in hospitality to make ends meet, which left me little time for creativity. I felt burnt out. The pandemic forced me to slow down and reflect on what I wanted in life. It was during this period that I realised I needed to focus on building something for myself, something that would allow me to be creative again. That’s when I committed to starting my own business, despite not having any savings to fall back on.
What challenges have you faced along the way, and how did you overcome them?
A major challenge for me was becoming self-employed with no financial cushion. I knew it would take time to make money as a freelancer, so I moved into a caravan on a farm to reduce living costs and worked part-time in hospitality while building my business. The flexibility of my living situation allowed me the freedom to focus on creating without immediate financial pressure. Recently, I’ve been able to focus on my art full-time, and I feel incredibly grateful that this is now my primary job.
Balancing business and motherhood can be challenging. How do you find that balance?
I don’t have any children, but I have immense respect for anyone managing both a creative business and motherhood. I imagine it would be quite challenging, especially since I can get overwhelmed easily!
Beyond your creative pursuits, what are your other passions, and how do they influence your work?
I love being outside, especially walking and swimming in the sea. Living in Cornwall has made me appreciate the natural world even more, and its beauty constantly influences my work. The colours, textures, and moods of Cornwall’s landscape often find their way into my designs, whether it's in the softness of the fabric or the tones I use in my embroidery.
Are there any women whom you consider role models?
There are so many women I admire, but a few that stand out include Frida Kahlo for her fearlessness in both her art and life, and Marsha P. Johnson for her incredible activism and dedication to the LGBTQ+ community. Marsha’s role in the Stonewall uprising and her fight for marginalised communities continues to inspire me. I also have great respect for women who run their own businesses and have succeeded in male-dominated industries while staying true to themselves.
What advice do you have for women who are aspiring to make a mark in the art or business world?
Persevere and stay committed to your goals. It takes time for your work to gain traction, and you may feel discouraged along the way. But it’s important to keep going. Another key piece of advice is to be assertive and firm when it comes to your business dealings. Creatives are often undervalued, and you need to advocate for yourself—whether it’s ensuring you’re paid fairly and on time or standing by your boundaries with clients. It can be disheartening when people try to take advantage of you, so learning to be firm is crucial.
Describe your ideal creative space. What elements make it inspiring for you?
I’ve just moved into a new studio space, which is a dream come true. It has beautiful wooden beams and floods of natural light, which is essential for my creative process. Natural light and a nice view are my top priorities when choosing a workspace. I also have a comfy sofa for when I want to work on embroidery.
What's your go-to comfort food when you need a pick-me-up?
When I need a pick-me-up, I often make a bowl of porridge with loads of toppings—like fruit, tahini, and cinnamon. It’s comforting and warming, especially on a cold day. In the winter, after a long day, I’ll even have it for dinner sometimes!
Do you have a guilty pleasure TV show that you enjoy binge-watching?
I really enjoyed watching How To with John Wilson. It’s one of those shows that’s both calming and interesting. I’ve rewatched some episodes a few times when I’m undecided on what to watch because I find it oddly soothing.
If you could teleport to any place in the world right now, where would it be?
I’d teleport to somewhere warm and scenic—probably the Philippines!
What's your morning ritual that sets a positive tone for the day?
I like to step outside or open a window first thing in the morning to get some sunlight. It’s supposed to help lower cortisol levels and helps me wake up naturally. Recently, I’ve also made a conscious effort to avoid looking at my phone or checking emails early in the morning. It’s part of my mission to lower stress since I’m quite an anxious person.
Most-used Emoji:
I love pairing animal emojis with objects to create little scenarios—my favourite combos are probably the rat drinking a martini or the caterpillar playing the saxophone.
🍸🐀 🎷🐛
Do you have an unexpected or quirky talent that people might not know about?
I’m not sure if it’s a talent, but I do have very bendy thumbs! It’s not particularly useful, though.
Is there something unusual or unexpected that you have in your wardrobe? What is your favourite piece of clothing and why?
I tend to collect vintage pieces, and my wardrobe has a lot of unique, one-of-a-kind items, but I would describe my overall style as functional and casual. My favourite piece of clothing is probably an oversized vintage jumper with large multicoloured spots all over.
Which is your favourite OAT AVA piece? What are three words that first come to your mind about OAT AVA products?
My favourite piece would have to be the red and white stripy Moa jumper.
Three words are: cosy, casual, and snuggly.
Favourite movie:
It’s tough to choose just one, but I love immersive movies that are whimsical and visually beautiful. I’m drawn to films that don’t have a strong plot but focus on well-developed characters that you can relate to.
Country you haven't visited yet but would like to:
I’d love to visit Poland to see traditional folk art in some of its villages.
Superpower you'd like to have:
I’d love the ability to stop time. It would be great to pause and savour moments or even catch up on things without feeling rushed.
One thing you'd change in the world:
There’s so much that needs changing, but if I had to pick one, I’d love to see a ceasefire in Palestine. It’s heartbreaking to watch what is happening.
Three things you're very grateful for:
I’m grateful for the freedom to work for myself and the flexibility this allows me, the support of my friends and family, and the beautiful surroundings of Cornwall.
photos: Madeleine Kemsley
We collaborated with Madeleine on an upcycled collection, see the pieces here
