Q&A: Kels Haley Textiles

Kels Haley is a Portland-based textile designer who launched her eponymous line of cut fabrics and pillows last summer. It has been a joy to work with Kels on some projects over the last year and learn a bit more about the ins and outs of her work designing fabrics and pillows for Kels Haley Textiles. I was delighted when she agreed to answer some questions and pair some of her textiles and pillows alongside works from The Willard Gallery.

Kels graduated from MECA (Maine College of Art) and has a multidisciplinary art background, so I was particularly interested in walking through the gallery space with her and seeing what works caught her eye.

Read on for more from Kels and shop her favorite works from Melanie Parke, Theresa Drapkin, and Laurie Fisher below.

Portrait of Kels in her studio by Marissa Elise Photography — *Portrait of Kels in her studio by* *Marissa Elise Photography*

Do you have any tips for mixing bold patterns and colorful artwork together?
Don’t be afraid to go with your gut! The bolder, the better, I believe.

What is your favorite part about your work?
Seeing my patterns in their setting in their forever homes. It brings me so much joy.

Melanie Parke’s Iris Tea alongside KHT pillows in Maze, Sprague Street, and Vaughan Street. — *Melanie Parke’s* *Iris Tea* *alongside KHT pillows in* *Maze*, *Sprague Street, and* *Vaughan Street*.

What artists have influenced your work as a textile designer?
Anni Albers, Thom Browne, Ballet Russes, Sonia Delaunay, Athos Bulcao, and many more.

What was your first memorable art purchase?
I believe my first art purchase was from a craft show but it started this thrill to find pieces that held onto my heart and build this whole collection. Especially art from my friends.

Theresa Drapkin’s [sold] Velvet Hops alongside a Vaughan Street pillow. — *Theresa Drapkin’s [sold] Velvet Hops alongside a* *Vaughan Street* *pillow.*

Any artists that should be on our radar?
I just bought some prints from Erika Stearly and I am in love!

What is your favorite part about the creative community in Portland, ME?
The support that is here. It is incredible how much support and collaboration that this sweet seaside town offers creatives.

Lucy Reiser’s West Country (sold) alongside a pillow in Mirror. — *Lucy Reiser’s* *West Country* *(sold) alongside a pillow in* *Mirror*.

Is there a notable work of art you envision pairing alongside a particular Kels Haley Textile pattern?
Ohh yes - my pattern, Maze in Gold, alongside Monet’s “Impression, Sunrise.”

Your go-to Instagram accounts for creative inspiration?
Erika Stearly, English Eccentric Home, Architectural Digest, She She, Imakestagram, House of Hackney