Feeling nostalgic this Thursday so I thought I would share a little about the inspiration and beginning of this wee collection of mine. It all started in 3rd year of uni, at Duncan of Jordanstone back in 2008 when Igrid Tate (Orkney Based Textile Designer) gave us a brief called “Scottish with a Twist” I created a character called Dougal’ Dad who loved Munro bagging (hill walking) his favourites things were haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) but his ultimate favourite thing was a scotch egg washed down with a cold Irn Bru. With this I started my research and of course Munro Bagging.
I titled my project:
Dougal’s Dad: “In our modern day consumer driven society nothing is sacrosanct, everything is up for sale; Green the New Black”
And so the work began……
I particularly enjoyed the direction the Ingrid Tait project “Scottish with a Twist” took me, with emphasis on the narrative element of the design. I focused on developing the Character Dougal’s Dad further. I wanted to explore the Scottish landscape and contrast the imagery of Urban verses Rural Scotland. I started exploring colours, prints, traditions and cultural influences and translating them into prints.
My main area of interest is narrative design, I like the print or weave to tell a story (I specialise in both). I really enjoy digital printing, in particular the manipulation of images and prints to generate innovative designs. I am extremely interested in current affairs. The apparent fixation in industrialised societies with mass consumption, and the infectious nature by which it is spreading throughout developing countries, highlights that this is a man made phenomena and change is most definitely possible. It clearly suggests that cultures, tastes, trends and demands are generated and not innate. With a whole range of political and social factors which can themselves shift and change through demand by various sectors in the community at large. It can therefore be argued that a more sustainable way of life can only be accomplished through the industrialised societies desires and eagerness to adopt and implement change.
I want my designs to communicate a clear vision of bold pattern and colour fold in both rural and urban Scottish landscapes and also celebrated British design and craftsmanship. I aspire to have a wee brand that sends a clear and definite message of embracing local artisan and quality craftsmanship which is echoed through my designs use of fabrics and source materials.
My area of interest is textiles. I am however influenced by architecture and art. With a particular interest in graphic and bold prints as well as innovative use of colour. Furthermore I love fashion design that is sculptural in nature and influenced by architectural design. I find numerous fashion designers inspirational, but there are a few that are positively divine. In particular designers that demonstrate innovative and bold use of colour and prints; cultural diversity and influences; sculptural design such as Jean Paul Gautier’s Haute Couture Collection, Christian Lacroix’s, Anna Sui, Roberto Gevalli, John Galliano, Pucci, Vera Wang and Issey Meyaki. I admire artist that do not shy away from bold political statements, celebrating colour and combining different styles; artist such as Banksky, Alan Davies, Paul Klee and Paul Jackson Pollock.
The collection has evolved over the years….
What the future holds for A/W15….
Throughout my research I came across so many great quotes but this one stuck, I hope you appreciate it too.
“The rational herdsman concludes that the only sensible course for him to pursue is to add another animal to his herd. And another; and another….But this is the conclusion reached by each and every rational herdsman sharing a commons. Therein is the tragedy. Each man is locked into a system that compels him to increase his herd without limit-in a world that is limited. Ruin is the destination towards which all men rush, each pursuing his own best interest in a society that believes in the freedom of the commons. Freedom in a commons brings ruin to all.” (Hardin,1998)
Please feel free to leave comments would love to hear from you. x