2014 Textile Design
Falmouth University Presents: 2014 Textile Design
Welcome I am delighted to introduce you to our 2014 cohort of graduating textile designers. As a group of people, the class of 2014 is a harmonious and collaborative collective, easy going and even tempered. Individually and as designers each person couldn’t be more different though, in their ambitions, their personalities, and of course in their work. Final collections are emerging as I write: woven, printed, embroidered, beaded, manipulated fabrics. There are florals, geometrics, glow in the dark yarns, conversational prints, deeply textured wovens , inventive weave structures, metal thread embroideries; there is hand spun alpaca and tambour beading. The concepts that underpin these developments range from a focus on the creation of intensely patterned and richly decorated surfaces, to the subversion of traditional techniques through experimentation with materials to create fresh contemporary ideas, to the ethical sourcing of materials and the environmental impact of processes. There is a sense of craftsmanship in what they do. Well equipped with the professional and critical tools they need our graduate designers are forward thinking, ambitious and eager to move on to the next stage in their lives and their careers. I am proud of their progress and all their achievements in their three years at Falmouth and wish them well in all their future endeavours.
Di Downs MA, Programme Leader.
Contents Alexandra Keen
Eleanor Jackson
Alexandra Lawrence
Eleanor Tull
Bethany Cross
Eleanor Weston
Camilla Pascoe
Elizabeth Ryan
Charlotte Carey
Emily Wilkinson
Charlotte Jankowski
Emma Collings
Claire Fitzpatrick
Emma Hampton
Clare Tittershill
Florence Hamm
Danielle Affleck
Gemma Jewell
Deborah Smith
Hayley Kaye
Eleanor Ayton
James Skinner
Joanne Murrell
Rebecca Watson
Joseph Whitebread
Rheetopriya Hasnat
Kathleen Holt
Rosanna Gill
Katie Brigginshaw
Rosmary Wright
Laura Nicoll
Sheran Poll
Lisa Newnham
Susan Gibson
Louise Wills
Tara Hemmings
Luka Webb
Vicky Webster
Mia Idiens
Zoe Etter
Nancy Piner Ratanna Gilbert
Alexandra Keen I feel very inspired and enthused by my surroundings and the natural elements we live in. With print being my specialism, I like to record my inspirations through photography, drawing and painting. Abstract painting and using watercolour to illustrate my inspirations is a recurring theme in my work; however I have developed a style which combines both fluidity and more structured drawings in my final designs. I am drawn to colour, texture and abstract patterns and I convey this in my manual and digital prints. I strive to experiment with process and combining techniques to create a style that is lively and innovative. 07581576189 allykeeno@icloud.com
Alexandra Lawrence As a textile designer my interest and passion lies in beading and the techniques that embellishment involves. Mixing beads and sequins to create texture, my work focuses on geometric patterns which play with scale, concentrating on the details of beading and how it manipulates the material. I enjoy generating colour palettes influenced from nature and my surroundings, and transferring them into my collections to give an organic feel to my graphic designs. My collections are aimed at the fashion market with confident, young working women in mind, my designs are fun, colourful and wearable. 07833154805 alilawrence91@hotmail.com
Bethany Cross I am a textile designer specialising in woven textiles. My work is focused primarily on textures, colour and structures. I enjoy the journey of transforming a flat one-dimensional design into a three-dimensional, tactile piece of fabric using both traditional hand weaving techniques and jacquard. I am often inspired by my surroundings, beautiful Cornwall. I have experimented with various medias throughout my weaving as I like the way I can change the end results using different processes, and have an understanding of how various materials work and can be manipulated, for example, using metal wire to give structure and form to a fabric. 07523068735 bethanygcross@hotmail.co.uk
Camilla Pascoe During the last 3 years at Falmouth University I have specialised in weave and developed my own unique style of combining colour, texture and pattern to convey narrative and context. Throughout my degree, a significant proportion of my work has drawn inspiration from theme of nature, such as the Cornish coastline, landscapes, moss and stones within a nature reserve. Observing natural textures and forms in their original state and setting prompts ideas for fabric design and strong colour palettes. My most recent project explores the development of crystals and the natural world and translates this into textile form. A particularly satisfying aspect of this project has been the experience of working with alpaca wool. I am using fibre, which I personally help sheer, sort and spin, participating in the complete process from animal to fabric. My aspirations are to work as part of a design team in either interiors or fashion and extend my skills of collaborative working. 07725917240 Cp130851@hotmail.com
Charlotte Carey Through a combination of Beading and Hand embroidery techniques, I design and create a variety of collections for fashion, jewellery and accessories. I am heavily influenced by art, flowers and geometrics and through these inspirations I am able to produce textiles that define the ideas of luxury and beauty. 07880207858 charly@charlyelizabeth.com www.charlyelizabeth.com www.charlyelizabeth.tumblr.com
Charlotte Jankowski When I look for inspiration for my work, my eye is often drawn to the outdoors and the natural world. I am always fascinated by the natural patterns that the world creates and feel there are endless possibilities and outcomes from this. I enjoy experimenting and playing with pattern and textures on the loom, exploring woven structures with many types of textures. In this collection I was exploring how I could naturally trap air within the structures to create insulating material for outdoor clothing such as base layers. I also have a love for natural fibers such as wool, and I often use a variety of wool in my work exploring and exploiting its natural properties.
07732106212 charlotte.jankowski@hotmail.com
Claire Fitzpatrick Preservation is my philosophy. I look to the old and not the new. I am confident that the machine can never equal the power of the human eye or hands. I believe that there is an unparalleled past behind us in highlighting the true capability and spirit of mankind through art and design. The specialist craftsmanship and technique present in former times focuses my attention away from contemporary practice, from this age of technology which we live in. Specialist skills which make up textile design are fast becoming extinct and in my lifetime I hope to protect some of these beautiful techniques. The unabbreviated methods of working and mindsets of Albert Lesage, William Morris and Coco Chanel are significant influences on my working approach. When I see a bare piece of cloth, my overriding instinct is to bring it to life with embroidery. Clairemariefitzpatrick@gmail.com
Claire Tittershill Specialising in Printed Textile Design gives me a surface to work on, putting together and manipulating a range of image inspiration to produce a combination of abstract and geometric pattern designs. Combining a range of media to give diverse textures to fabric is the core of my process, working predominantly with paint, collage and photography. Experimenting with combining techniques to produce layers and depth is the key to my printed creations through the use of manual screen print and digital print, or a combination of the two. 07779138660 clare_tittershill@hotmail.co.uk
Danielle Affleck Narrative and nature are my most significant influences. They are the underlying aesthetic that enriches my designs, giving them substance. The narrative theme comes through in my illustrative style and passion for fairytales and folklore, which originates from the whimsical tales my father told me as a child. My passion for nature (in particular, woodland) derives from my childhood spent in the countryside, making potions and dwellings for magical creatures. I have always felt compelled to create things, from knitted and sewn items, to huge scale acrylic paintings. So it only seemed natural to make 3D objects for my final project. I hold great importance on drawing and documenting as much of life as I can. Finding magical moments in the mundane gives me great joy.
07761058851 dani-affleck@hotmail.com www.danielle-affleck.blogspot.co.uk
Deborah Smith As a textile designer specializing in print, I take inspiration from folklore and all things kitsch to create designs that have a sense of the familiar but also a disassociation from reality. I like to use a combination of photography, drawings and paintings in my work and utilize digital manipulation to bring my concepts and ideas to fruition. dwolfreysmith@yahoo.com
Eleanor Ayton As a confident hand weaver I enjoy working with colour and pattern to create new and exciting woven pieces. Using inspiration from natural forms as a starting point, this allows me to constantly be inspired by nature and therefore keeps me open to new ideas wherever I may be in the world. Nature is a recurring theme in industry but I strive to discover new ideas to convey this through my fabrics experimenting with different yarns and techniques. Being At Falmouth University has let me discover the designer I never knew I was. 07475123457 Ellieayton15@hotmail.co.uk
Eleanor Jackson During my time in Falmouth I have specialised in designing and making woven fabrics taking an equal interest in both weaving by hand and on a jacquard loom. I take a lot of inspiration from natural environments, in particular florals, and enjoy creating collections that take on the essence of the outdoors. I mostly tailor my collections for an interior market and enjoy working with colour and texture. This year I have focused on looking at nature in a more individual way. I have taken on the idea of distortion and have found ways to break up and distort the natural scene whether this is looking through glass or Japanese architecture. I have also collaborated with a Contemporary Crafts student in order to create a collection of textured glass to enhance my samples. 07800646408 elliejackson3@hotmail.co.uk elliejackson3.tumblr.com
Eleanor Tull Graphic patterns are central to the modern aesthetic of my textile practice using an extensive range of mixed media processes to form them. Experimentation with technique fascinates me, playing with both contemporary and traditional, I explore anything from laser cutting to goldwork. With influences from classical literature, contemporary subcultures and historic pattern, inspiration for my work is wide ranging; by combining these with an intuitive sense of colour I create designs that provide a fresh alternative within the fashion market. Throught contrasting technological synthetic materials with natural fibres my practice seeks to innovate and honour our textile heritage. 07792633056 nor.tull@outlook.com www.nortull.co.uk
Eleanor Weston Specialising in print, my designs tend to be crisp and graphic. Gearing my work towards children, my collections have a nostalgic feel running through them. This juxtaposition of clear and modern versus sepia toned nostalgia is a key part of my work, bringing old and new together. Whether it is traditional techniques and practices, harnessed to capture contemporary ideas, or capturing traditional motifs in new ways, my designs offer a fresh, lively take on children’s prints. 07917354982 eleanorweston90@gmail.com
Elizabeth Ryan I am a printed textile designer, extremely passionate about my work. My concepts are usually influenced by the unusual, with a strong message portrayed throughout. I have an enduring passion for illustration and use painting and drawing to develop my initial ideas. My collections are playful and quirky with a sense of humour that runs alongside a strong narrative style, often involving animals. Collections are produced using both manual and digital printing methods for both interiors and fashion. 07814530701 Lizzie.Ryan@outlook.com
Emily Wilkinson Specialising in printed textile design I have developed a strong understanding of both manual and digital printing techniques. I love injecting elements of humour into my designs, and have a particular passion for conversational prints. I am fascinated by the way that people have always collected things around them and the different spaces that are created simply by being lived in. This has led to a great interest in drawing objects including jewellery, ceramic tiles, roman coins, snow globes, and even plastic dinosaurs. The integrity of my designs is very important to me, and I often incorporate elements of the architecture and people around me into my work with the hope that this gives each print an individual personality. During my time in Falmouth I have developed a number of different illustrative and abstract styles, this diversity has allowed me to build up print collections with a unique dynamic reflecting the excitement and curiosity I have for the world around us.
Emma Collings Within my weaving and personal lifestyle choices I value the importance of sustainability, and through my final year in my degree I am incorporating such methods into my weaving. I thrive on challenging myself technically and enjoy experimenting with new techniques to keep inspiring and pushing my design development. Drawing inspiration from cultural concepts and current issues, I enjoy giving meaning and purpose to my design work, whilst keeping versatility in my market for different projects. Stylistically, I tend to be drawn to intricate design, whether it is through patterns, structure or yarn choice. I spend time to perfect the weaving process and stay patient to get achieve my intended goal. 07503461034 emmacollings@ymail.com
Emma Hampton I specialise in print, combining both digital and manual techniques to create high end collections, intended for fashion use. I experiment with different printing processes and a range of materials to create a varied portfolio with an assortment of textures and finishes. My method of designing usually involves creating images using various mediums and then scanning it into a computer. When designing, I take into consideration the potential for overlaying my prints using sheer fabrics which reveal the design underneath; this is a crucial element in my work. The integration of hand craft within my work is significant to the overall final aesthetic. I demonstrate this by purposely including paint marks and brush strokes as well as heavily embroidering on top of my prints to create a handmade feel. Colour composition and proportion is also important to my work due to the vivid, vibrant colours that I use. The best way to describe my portfolio is ‘Organised Chaos’. 07787446007
Emma.hampton@outlook.com
Florence Hamm My love for drawing and concept is reflected in both manual and digital printing. I take inspiration from whatever momentarily motivates me but my work is often associated with people, our appearance and emotions that connect us to each other and our surroundings. I strive to combine traditional processes with current technology in a way that best represents my intentions as a designer. Coming from a fine art background, I enjoy driving my work towards installation based outcomes as well as tailoring it to commercial collections. Open to both fashion and interior industries, I hope to utilize my passions within a creative field. 07913856677 florencehamm@hotmail.com www.florence-designs.com
Gemma Jewell Currently specalising in mixed media I enjoy using a variety of techniques within my work. Beading, hand and machine stitch, and print elements are of particular interest to me. I like to create pieces that look hand crafted and hand made and use a variety of colour within my work. I am very interested in embroidery detailing and I enjoying being playful and experimental when designing. I feel that varying mediums helps me to investigate my possibilities when designing. Experimenting with various embroidery, print and dyeing techniques lets me express myself and my love for colour and texture. I enjoy mixing elements of different methods and let this guide me and be a key factor when informing and developing my work. Technical files and playing with processes is my favourite pastime! I like to escape into a world of making and crafting to create individual and unique designs that express my passion for textiles. 07875992453 gemjewell@hotmail.co.uk
Hayley Kaye Specializing in print, I have a very graphic drawing style and I like to put humour into my collections. I work with both digital and manual screenprinting combining woodblock and lino techniques within my designs. I am influenced by different cultures and like to use a range of colours and fabrics within my collections. My current project is based on objects that you may find washed up on the shoreline and is designed for spring/summer womenswear collection. My designs are inspired by Tapa cloth and my colours palette is taken from art deco jewellery. 07928922880 hayley.kaye123@hotmail.com
James Skinner Traditional forms of art and design have always inspired me. There is a real sense of complexity, beauty and intricacy in the work; there is also a sense of commitment to creation. This can be seen most obviously in the works of the Rococo, Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts periods. It is my passion and goal to create beautiful work and continuously learn with the desire to design better prints with an intense level of detail and beauty. In a modern society it is also important to be contemporary. I achieve this through the placement of visual messages within my work that reflect the events of modern society in an often satirical way. As a print designer I ultimately strive to continuously achieve better work and experience it being appreciated by other people. 07943590461 james-skinnerdesign@outlook.com
Joanne Murrell My work focuses on reshaping and restructuring fabric to create geometric textiles with a three dimensional quality. I like to incorporate the qualities of natural fibres of linen, silk and wool to create texture with hand and machine stitch combined with felting and printing. This collection is a reflection of a visit to Italy; the deterioration of architectural structure contrasted with vibrant coloured interiors. My style would suit a broad range of textiles although I design primarily for interiors. 07870697873 jomurrelltextiles@gmail.com
Joseph Whitebread As a designer, my passion for weaving stems from the history of the craft, the traditional techniques and their application into contemporary design. The main focus of my work is in the reinterpretation of classic woven structures and. I constantly strive to create innovative and sometimes suprising collections that bring classic textiles into contemporary settings. I see myself as both a problem solver and as a contemporary designer of woven textiles. Within my own work I aim to create niche textiles that work as design solutions for both fashion and interiors. My fascination with hand dyeing plays an important role in my overall aesthetic and has led to the use of bold colour combinations. I have explored space-dyeing techniques and enjoy the creation of bespoke yarns that help in the development of my collections. 07765474059 j,whitbread88@hotmail.com
Kathleen Holt Specialising in the discipline of mixed media, I combine hand embroidery techniques with innovative and contemporary processes developing rich surfaces adorned with embellishment and structural beadwork. Inspired by travel and the new places I discover along the way, my work encapsulates the spirit of adventure and the appreciation I have for the beauty of the natural world. Consideration of colour is an important aspect of my designs. The visual research process, creating drawings and collages with a range of media and photographs, constantly excites me as I strive to explore new approaches and styles. A love of loose line work has encouraged me to develop an illustrative style as I work to create a quirky and narrative aesthetic. 07580234822 kathleenaliceholt@yahoo.co.uk
Katie Brigginshaw As a weaver I am passionate about pattern and fascinated with the process of transforming yarn into a finished sample. This can be seen in all aspects of my work, especially in the collections I have created and with the importance I place on drawing/mark making. I am constantly exploring new ways in which to convey my bold design aesthetic into structures on the hand loom and jacquard, creating visually exciting combinations of pattern and colour. My recent work has been inspired and influenced by imagery of historical cultures, interpreting and developing a fresh approach to the decorative styles. 07772497221 katie.brigginshaw@outlook.com
Laura Nicoll Innovation, expression and experimentation: as a designer specialising in Mixed Media, that’s what textiles is to me. Through the exploration of unconventional materials, I create dramatic and individual samples that aim to push the boundaries of traditional fabric construction. Fusing art and design is of extreme interest to me and I am always finding ways to confront ‘conventional’ textile methods, subverting tradition for a modern context. Working with narrative concepts, whether it be for a costume or installation market, gives my work creative depth and allows me to work through projected personalities creating work full of soul. 07766915418 laura.nicoll@hotmail.co.uk
Lisa Newnham My work is inspired by contemporary events within society, with a particular interest in future technological advancement and a sense of surrealism. Specialising in print the work is focused primarily on the drawings and fabric, which are a mixture of digital and print processes. I try to create a sense of imagination with my work and a visual narrative within my designs. 07808645849 lisa.newnham.t21@btinternet.com
Louise Wills I take inspiration from my surroundings and my work is often influenced by the natural world. Drawing is a key part of my designing process that allows me to develop illustrative motifs for both digital and manual printing. I often explore traditional techniques of printing and image making in order to investigate their potential application to textile design, which when combined with my hand drawn imagery creates an exciting contrast in my work. 07837092771 beetlesandbones@outlook.com
Luka Webb In my printed textile collections my enthusiasm for drawing and painting is evident. The quality generated by the varying media used to create my imagery also becomes a focus in my work giving my designs an illustrative or painterly feel. Using both manual and digital printing techniques, I combine motifs to create layered designs which often turn original motifs into abstract imagery. Exploring the boundaries of processes to generate texture and unexpected effects also aids the abstraction of elements in my designs. 07794596992 luka.webb@outlook.com
Mia Idiens Driven by process and technique my work primarily explores embroidery, looking for ways to utilise, challenge and contemporise traditional techniques for modern markets. My three years at Falmouth has further enhanced my appreciation of craftsmanship and developed within me a strong sense of innovation. Through application of both hand and machine stitch alongside embellishment, cutwork and print my work strives to represent my strong technical ability and inquisitive design eye. Inspired by anything from a childhood story or my love of pattern, the aesthetic of my textiles differs from one collection to the next by exploring various colour palettes and design approaches. Despite this there remains an elegant, luxurious yet somewhat playful style throughout. 07712 617754 Miaidiens@mail.com
Nancy Piner mission statement for my own textile designing is to promote the use of industrial machines. I believe that they are not used often enough and I immediately fell in love with them. I am inspired by visual research and what I really enjoy is seeing how my initial starting point morphs into textile designs. I am very conceptually driven which leads to me really experiment when I get to the developmental stage. Combining different processes, my work is made up of using the Irish and Cornely machine however I also use beading, printing and the digital embroidery machine to support my collections. I enjoy seeing how the different processes have unique effects when combined. 07757769709 nancypiner@icloud.com
Ratanna Gilbert The ability to construct a beautiful piece of fabric through interlacing strands of yarn is the reason that I wanted to become a textile designer specialising in woven textiles. As a confident hand weaver, my body of work is expressed through my passion for playing with various processes. This has allowed me to cross over and interlink textile design disciplines. I have explored alternative ways of colouring my yarns, screen-printing and foiling being my preferred techniques. My main focus has been working with silks; I strive to give my fabric a luxurious feel working with the motif that sometimes ‘less is more’. With this, attention to detail is very important to me. The details in my work tend to have subtle characteristics yet elements of lively and vibrant components. 07891405928 qgilbert@hotmail.co.uk
Rebecca Watson Specialising in mixed media I enjoy using a variety of techniques which include bead weaving, hand and machine embroidery, hand embellishment and fabric manipulation. The idea of combining the traditional with the contemporary is something I like to explore within my work; I incorporate some more traditional techniques such as beadwork into my digitally embroidered designs. Patterns strongly inform my work, I extract shapes and use stitch with 2D and 3D embellishment to create dimension and visual excitement. 07753385276 rebeccawatson92@outlook.com
Rheetopriya Hasnat As a highly driven and versatile individual with strong, stylised drawing skills I take inspiration from culture and my surroundings, emphasising a handmade aesthetic with intricate hand drawn or painted illustrations before using computer software to develop pattern repeats for digital or manual prints. A sound knowledge of current trend, as well as an eye for colour, style and presentation gained during my degree lend themselves well to the nature of my work, intended for a fashion market. In addition to my print design expertise, work placements have given me experience with PR and other crucial aspects of working in a fast-paced, industrial environment, whilst developing my communication skills and ability to work well within a team. 07827933896 priyahasnat@gmail.com www.cargocollective.com/priyahasnat
Rosanna Gill I have always been captivated colour, pattern and placement which has led me to a love for print design and surface pattern. Coastal natural forms and botanical influences are a main focus within my work, as well as taking inspiration from contrasting raw architectural textures and shapes. My visual influences always derive from the local environment I am surrounded by which gives my work a first hand observational feel. Expressive drawing and painting are integral to the work I produce and photography is always a huge part of both my visual research but often also integrates itself within final digital designs. I am fascinated by the digital manipulation that can be achieved through CAD but also the raw quality of print that can only be achieved with screen printing. 07702355007 rosanna-hilary@hotmail.com rosiegilltextiles.tumblr.com
Rosmary Wright Inspired by nature, I am passionate about interpreting designs through embellished textiles. I focus on the use of beading, fabric manipulation and hand sewing techniques to create intricate and innovative samples. I put a strong emphasis on using traditional methods that are at risk of being forgotten, and through experimentation with materials and processes, I re-invent them to become more contemporary. 07921917327 rosie.w24@googlemail.com
Sheran Poll My passion for sustainability is expressed in my work by the consideration of environmental issues . I aim to produce original and innovative ideas using knit and weave taking inspiration from my surroundings as well as contemporary and vintage fashions. I enjoy the challenge of experimenting with unconventional and recycled materials that lend themselves to exciting unexpected results in texture and structure. My current designs are inspired by denim and the use of natural yarns and dye that combine structure and pattern to create tactile, exacting hand woven fabrics that are less detrimental to the environment. sheran771@yahoo.co.uk
Susan Gibson I am a concept led designer, specialising in woven fabrics, using hand and digital looms to explore the narratives of community, environment and erosion. The making process is crucial to my practice, responding to the fabric as it is woven, the feel, appearance, quality and surface finish. My woven collections encompass mood and narrative through the use of colour, structure and choice of yarn. Wool, a natural, renewable, biodegradable and sustainable fibre is my preferred medium, suitable for fashion and interiors. My work is constantly developing and it is important to me that every collection explores new ideas and challenges. 07901602223 susanVgibson@Hotmail.co.uk
Tara Hemmings Since specialising in mixed media, my work predominantly explores traditional techniques, finding new and creative way to contemporise them. I have always had a fascination with haute couture, so choose to primarily work with intricate designs and heavy embellishment. I enjoy creating beautiful and delicate fabrics for the haute couture women’s wear market. Taking inspiration from my surroundings, I like to combine patterns found in both natural forms and architecture, creating lace like structures through layering and hand cut out work. My designs feature soft, feminine, and rich colours to create a sophisticated colour palette and collection. 07912678599 tlhemmings@btinternet.com www.tarahemmings28.tumblr.com
Vicky Webster Specialising in mixed media for the interiors market, I primarily focus on hand stitch and beading. Pattern heavily influences my work; I have extracted and adapted patterns into delicate and elegant hand stitch with neat precision. I am equally fascinated by colour, which is evident through the stitch and beadwork applied to my collection. 07712451106 webster.vicky@gmail.com
Zoe Etter Working between disciplines, I use both weave and experimental processes to produce highly tactile and textural fabrics. My practice develops from my own photographs, which predominately focus on organic forms and patterns found in everyday objects and nature. I explore the effects of weather and erosion using photographs and graphic sketches to inform my studio practice. My work is distinctive in its pronounced use of shape and mark making. I put a strong emphasis on drawing using unusual implements to create bold marks and surfaces that translate into cloth. The developmental process is my favourite aspect of a project and I also particularly enjoy putting collections together. 07814265641 zoe.etter@outlook.com
Textile Design Falmouth Univeristy 2014 Printed & Designed by Faith Nelson 2014