Ahead of her upcoming short courses in lampshade making we sat down with Moji Salehi to discuss inspiration, creativity and why it is so essential for humans to engage with it.

Could just start by introducing yourself and the course that you will be teaching at West Dean?

My name is Moji and I am an artist, designer, maker and teacher. I have been teaching both handprinting techniques and lampshade making from Brighton since 2008 and I haven't stopped since! My background is in interior design, textile printing and upholstery so I've been involved in many, many forms of craft but textile printing and lampshade making have been my main focus and it's very much in demand; people love to learn traditional crafts like Indian block printing and carving their own blocks and printing fabrics.

What drew you to lampshade making?

I love lampshades, I’m passionate about colours and patterns as textiles and I wanted to bring that beauty into everyday objects and lampshades was a perfect medium for that. I think it's just a gorgeous thing to have in any home and it kind of changes the feel of the space completely. Lampshades not only combines a number of creative aspects but it's the process of making itself. I think when you hand stitch an object whether it's embroidery, sewing or lampshade making in this way it just slows you down and it grounds you.
You find yourself in a space where you can breathe. You are finding yourself completely immersed in the process and I love that part of it. It doesn't necessarily need to be lampshade making, but for me it suited me. I love teaching it and I find it so rewarding and fulfilling, I've never stopped, never looked back. I love to see students surprised at discovering how capable they are and how much joy there is in craft.

This idea that the process of craft is meditative is one I hear a lot from students and tutors at West Dean. Can you say a little more about this?

Absolutely. The world is so busy and it moves so fast, and I think creating something with your hands, even a small thing, is actually an act of selfcare. It's so joyful and we all need it. People say I don't know how to be creative or I'm not creative, I disagree, we all have it, we just need to tap into it and find it. We are all born with it. It's just that we get lost in the busy world we live in. I think it’s a skill in itself to find that creative voice, you have to dig deep but once you've found it, there's no return. It's a very beautiful place to be.

Where does your inspiration come from?

I think I'm inspired by my Persian heritage but also the my years in Europe from the age of 17, I have a developed a deep affection for the English countryside and these diverse influences converge to create designs that infuse homes with bold colours, rich textures, and meaningful stories. I have these vivid childhood memories of fragrant gardens and the vibrant landscapes and I enjoy combining this with English influences, blending timeless tradition with contemporary flair. 

I aim to authentically express myself in a very organic way rather than plan it too much. I take this approach on social media too, my posts may come across as very polished, but they are just my way of sharing my creative world with my followers.

What can students expect from your course?

It's all about traditional techniques, it's such a beautiful way to create things. Students on my West Dean courses are going to learn about working with their hands, hand stitching slowly. It's about slowing down, focussing, getting immersed in the process . I think my courses are a lovely mix of creativity, learning techniques, troubleshooting and calm. Students will leave with beautiful lampshades that they know they've made themselves with their own hands. There is something magical when the lamp is switched on and you see the light kind of shine shining through the fabric. An object that they made themselves. I think it's such an amazing achievement.

What was the initial spark that got you into that creative process?

When I was young I was surrounded by art, by craft, by beauty, by colours, by texture - I was brought up with it. I didn't know anything else, being creative was a safe place to be and I love learning things. I started painting when I was a very little girl, I started with portraits and landscapes, then moved on to oil painting and then in my mid 20s I made my first acrylic painting and I haven't looked back. I do abstract painting now and I think it's just part of my DNA,  I feel lucky that is has become my business. The love for creating, making and sharing, that's the story behind my business.

Book Moji's lampshade courses here