I have created a report on three students who exhibited at New Designers 2014 as I was unable to attend the degree show, due to undertaking work experience with Ella Doran.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
A Nation of Shopkeepers
Tin openers, Kettles and Toothbrushes, these seemingly mundane objects don’t scream the
basis for a textile design project, but why not? The complexity of modern life overshadows
everyday commodities such as these but can’t things just be simple? A Nation of
Shopkeepers derives from an interest in daily life, concentrating on the monotonous objects
we’re surrounded by. Illustrated in a bold and vibrant way, creating juxtaposition with reality.
Alisha Fallon’s space featured a wide range of prints and weave samples. It was interesting seeing the designs presented in two mediums as this added more depth to the pieces. Her work consisted of all over repeat patterns, derived from everyday objects. I think that the composition of the designs work well because the area around each motif is filled with a textured quality.
JING ZHOU
Jing Zhou has created a range of embroidery samples by using digital embroidery, layering and stitching leather shapes onto fabric. Below her fabric samples are her initial designs, made from paper. It was interesting to see her thought process through developing her designs from paper onto fabric. She has concentrated on repetitive forms to create her samples and by layering the pieces of leather she has created a range of interesting surfaces and textural patterns.
She presented an effective colour palette; consisting of soft pastel colours with
a mixture of black, white and grey. The pastel colours stood out as they looked bold, but not garish against the black and white.
I really like the use of block colour with the digital embroidery machine because it doesn’t
warp the fabric and Jing Zhou has used this setting to stitch a variety of patterns where the
shapes are interlocking. I like this effect because the stitching created a slightly raised area
and as some of the black fabric from underneath was visible through the gaps in between the
shapes, it created a subtle 3D effect.
FRANKIE BLAIR
Frankie Blair’s print designs have been inspired by architecture around Europe. Her space featured a wide variety of prints for fashion, and she has also created a selection of male shirts and T-shirts with her designs.I thought that her work was displayed in a professional way, and it was clear where her inspiration had come from.
She has created a wide range of prints, most of which featuring windows. I think that the reflection of the sky in the windows is really interesting, and I also like the layered buildings because they include a lot of architectural detail.
