Carne Griffiths

Carne Griffiths works primarily with calligraphy inks, graphite and liquids, such as tea, brandy and vodka. His fascination with drawing focuses on the creation and manipulation of the drawn line. Images explore human, geometric and floral forms, in a combination of both literal and abstract translation and in response to images and situations encountered in everyday life. Images are recorded in a dreamlike way onto the page where physical boundaries are unimportant. His work creates a journey of escapism that focuses on scenes of awe and wonder, projecting a sense of abandonment and inviting the viewer to share and explore this inner realm.

Originally from Liverpool, Griffiths graduated from the Kent Institute of Art and Design in Maidstone (now UCA) in 1995. After completing a one-year KIAD fellowship and moving to London, he served an apprenticeship at the longest-established gold wire embroidery firm in the world. Here he worked as a gold wire embroidery designer for twelve years, eventually becoming the creative director. Carne produced intricate designs for the military and the film, theatre, fashion and advertising industries. His designs were used for the uniforms in the films Valkyrie, The Last King of Scotland, and in particular, his ‘Red Death Coat’ was used in The Phantom of the Opera.

Carne’s elaborate floral designs for Asprey were included in their first-ever catwalk collection and his work was featured on the embroidered cover of the 80th Royal Variety Performance programme in 2008.

Since establishing his own studio in 2010, Carne has exhibited in the UK, Hong Kong, Milan and the U.S. Carne also collaborated with the British photographer Rankin and has featured in publications worldwide.

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