Meet Bob & Eve aka Corinna Wilson | Textile Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Bob & Eve aka Corinna Wilson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bob & Eve, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
I think with the advent of social media we are flooded with inspirational quotes and you get a bit numb to all the quotes and advice. I think the British are naturally fairly cynical and sarcastic and so I like to put that across in my work when doing typographical pieces. Rather than stitching inspirational quotes I look for things to write in the work that are irreverent. Quite often calling out topics or issues in society with an irreverent quote that has some humour to it is far more powerful than an inspirational quote. For example we have just had Boris Johnson as prime minister and he blustered his way through situations with extreme confidence whilst simultaneously making disastrous decisions for the country so my piece based on that situation reads: Loud, confident and mostly wrong.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I fell into working for myself straight after graduating from university: making and selling bags, purses and home accessories at a small market in Brighton. I loved being able to create something in my living room that someone else wanted to buy, essentially turning a hobby into a way to support myself. Once I saw that it was possible to make money in this way I began to grow the business into an accessories company which I ran for the next five years making and supplying small independent shops worldwide as well as high end department stores such as Selfridges. I then returned to traditional illustration for a number of years working for clients such as The Guardian and Fortnum and Mason.

The birth of my son in 2008 initiated a huge shift in work/life balance. I have always wanted to have children and am very lucky to have three: two boys and a girl. My mother was a stay at home mum until my younger brother was in school full time and I always wanted to do the same for my children if it was financially possible. Whilst continuing to work alongside my husband (stevenwilsonstudio) helping to run the company and illustrate various projects my priority was home life for the ten or so years after my first child’s birth. I feel very lucky to have been able to attend every nursery/school event that was required during this time. I am acutely aware how quickly the time with my young children has flown by and I will always be grateful that I was able to experience it all with them.

Once my daughter started school in 2019 I was able to focus on the next steps for me career-wise. I had loved seeing my work as 3d objects and selling to the public during the years running the accessories business but also enjoy the more creative process of 2d illustrating. I feel that with Bob & Eve I have found a perfect way to combine these; I love working with the different textures of the wool, and seeing the artwork come to life on the canvas. Whilst much of my work is designed to be on the walls I really like the crossover with usable homewares such as rugs, pouffes and cushions too.

I’m really excited about the newest range of pieces I’m currently working on based on quotes about everyday life and a slightly irreverent take on the world!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
For me Brighton has it all. I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else in the UK. Sandwiched between the South Downs and the coast we live right in the middle of a bustling vibrant city and all that has to offer but have the countryside and seaside on our doorstep too. If I had a friend down for the weekend I would take them to Oeuf for brunch when they arrived before heading to the seafront for a stroll and an ice cream. I’d then have a cocktail on the terrace at Soho House Brighton before heading to Burnt Orange for more cocktails and dinner. The next day would consist of a lovely long walk in the Sussex countryside, perhaps near Firle and then lunch at The Ram Inn. If it was warm enough I would take them paddle-boarding and a hot chocolate at The Perch on the beach in Lancing.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband @stevenwilsonstudio We met on the Illustration course at The University of Brighton and have worked in the studio together every day for over twenty years now.

Website: www.bobandeve.co.uk

Instagram: @bob_and_eve