Belinda Budge

I am a maker. My work is about re-imagining my purpose within my landscape. Observing, returning and listening are core to what is intentionally a slow, natural, living, earthy process. Walking the same paths everyday in the chalk layers of my landscape, I make sketches and marks, and  - using cones, sticks and thistles gathered in the fields - these marks are translated into surface and pattern with walnut ink which I make from locally foraged walnuts. The marks are layered, both on cloth and on paper. I use chosen papers made from both recycled clothes, and the bark of the Japanese Gampi plant, together with natural thread dyed from the walnut ink, to make new land patterns. Layers and what is revealed beneath those layers are central to my creative process. The rich hues of the walnut ink are the trademark of my work.

Most recently, I have taken my field patterns out to sea. I make a sail whilst on the water, and the journey influences the creation of new stitches and layers on the sail. The hoisting of the sail and the sail’s journey become a performance which disorientates the imagination and makes new patterns.  

Documenting my process through film is an important component of my work.

Collaborating with my brother, Patrick, is core to my creative practice. Working together as StudioBudgeBudge we experiment with translating my work into new patterns and textiles, as well as collaborating with other creatives and clients.

For over 30 years, Belinda was a luminary of the book publishing industry. Post resigning she attended Central Saint Martin’s Art School for a year, and graduated from a two year MA in Textiles at The Royal College of Art in 2019. Belinda is Chair of Creative UK, which champions, connects, supports and invests in creative people and businesses across the UK. She is a Founder of the IDA Project, an irreverent conversation for older women.

Patrick Budge

Patrick is a graphic designer - his work has a calm, contemporary style. He has been running his own graphic design company www.patrickbudge.com for over 25 years - working for many well known hotel and restaurant brands including Soho House where he developed the brand and visual identity of the global members’ club in it’s first decade. He works across other industries, including publishing, as an art director and has worked on a number of award winning food and interiors projects.

Belinda’s mark making combined with his passion for typography, print, shape and colour make StudioBudgeBudge a unique blend of their talents and creative flair. Together we experiment to create beautiful repeat patterns which are printed onto organic fabric.