Humayrah Bint Altaf is a full time embroidery artist from Bedfordshire. She trained at the Royal School Of Needlework. 

How did you get into textiles?

I began embroidering at the age of 14 after seeing my grandma lovingly make crocheted gifts for friends and family. I have fond memories of spending my school holidays in her home, the duck egg blue walls, hand-dyed silk saris that neatly lined her wardrobe, even the soft  floral scent of her saris are still fresh in my mind.  It was here that my heart became entwined in needlework and all things handmade.

Tell me about the textiles you work with?

I strive to create pieces that speak figuratively and literally of the colours and textures of trees, plants, beetles, bees, roots, twigs and other creatures that frequent my world. Light is an integral element of my handwork hence the materials I use reflect this. Soft gold leathers, vintage silks, antique gold cords, iridescent metal wires all call out to me and are woven into my pieces. By incorporating natural influences into my embroideries, I feel that a part of me has been embedded into my work. It is this part of me that I like to share with others.