Expressions Of Rebeckah Kemi Apara
Get to know Rebeckah
I express creativity through my embroidery. I’m inspired by so many things - make-up, art, my kids’ drawings, food, travel, people-watching. I use my creative thinking to implement all of this inspiration into my embroidery.
How does this bring you joy?
It gives me freedom! Doing hand embroidery is also very therapeutic. I’m focused and calm when stitching and it allows my mind to rest. Taking time to be creative with my embroidery brings me great joy.
Who or what is your creative inspiration?
I’m currently inspired by a French make-up artist called Violette Serrat from Violette_FR. She trained as an artist and applies her methods to French make-up artist called Violette Fr. She applies beautiful make-up on all skin types and enhances their beauty. She doesn’t make people look different, just more elevated but down-to-earth versions of themselves. I recently went to Paris for the 6th or 7th time and I love the way French people dress. They’re presentable and put together without looking over the top. I’m loving French style at the moment.
I started freelancing as an embroidery designer in 2015. It took me a long time to work in textiles, I studied it at London College of Fashion but found it difficult to find a job in that area. I started my business Embellished Talk by running workshops teaching people how to sew. I’ve been freelancing ever since. I want to work with fashion and art students so I’m looking for work to do alongside running my business.
What advice would you give someone embarking on a journey of creative self expression?
Don’t overthink it. Just do it. Don’t bother wasting time comparing yourself to others, you’ll never be them. Don’t be hard on yourself if the creative output doesn’t match the vision you had in your mind. Keep going because you owe it to yourself.
