Rashelle Campbell's Joyful Rugs: Indigenous Artist Brings Childhood Nostalgia to Home Decor
During the Covid lockdowns of 2020, Rashelle Campbell, a textile artist of Nehiyaw Iskwew/Cree heritage from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Wabasca, Alberta, established a home goods brand. After her unsuccessful search for a rug that fit her aesthetic, she utilized a tufting gun to create her first piece. Her brand, Rashelle, showcases vibrant rugs crafted from New Zealand wool and silk-bamboo accents. The newest collection, named Homecoming, features the Swirly Star rug, Princess Script rug, and Welcome to My Crib rug. Campbell, who models the collection, highlights Indigenous representation. Additionally, she has ventured into glassware and plans to release bath mats and throw pillows, merging childhood joy with adult concepts.
Key facts
- Rashelle Campbell is an Indigenous (Nehiyaw Iskwew/Cree) textile artist based in Edmonton, Alberta, from the Bigstone Cree Nation in Wabasca.
- She started making rugs in 2020 during Covid lockdowns, inspired by a desire to bring joy into homes.
- Her first rug was a Flubber rug with floral shapes in oranges, pinks, and greens.
- She sells her rugs through retailers such as SSENSE.
- Her rugs are made of New Zealand wool, some with silk-bamboo detailing.
- Her Homecoming collection includes three new rug styles: Swirly Star, Princess Script, and Welcome to My Crib.
- The Swirly Star rug is inspired by her Cree heritage and the concept of 'star people'.
- She shot a campaign featuring herself for the first time, wearing pieces from Sam Finger, Caroline Zimbalist, and Cheyenne LeGrande.
- She has expanded into glassware, including sugar glass jewelry dishes and ashtrays.
- She plans to design bath mats and throw pillows in the future.
Entities
Artists
- Rashelle Campbell
- Sam Finger
- Caroline Zimbalist
- Cheyenne LeGrande
Institutions
- SSENSE
- Bigstone Cree Nation
- MTV
Locations
- Edmonton
- Alberta
- Canada
- Wabasca
- New York