I interviewed my fellow BA (Hons) Textiles Design student, Olivia Brown, about her recent Level 5 project Coastal Calm for our Professional Practice unit. Olivia has given insight into where her ideas came from, how she gathered research and what strengths in her skills she has found to carry into her Level 6 studies.
What has been the theme for your current project and where did this idea come from?
The theme for my current project this term has been the coast, particularly the south coast. I decided to choose this topic as it was mentioned in our briefing to potentially choose something personal to ourselves, as well as something we enjoy. I have always been inspired by the coast, especially from a young age. Growing up in Dorset has a range of different coastal paths, from Hengistbury Head all the way along to the Jurassic coast, all of which I have explored many times so made the project personal and authentic.
Over the years, I have worked on many different coastal/ocean-themed projects but not explored the coast as a sub-theme that much. This then formed the idea for my current project of the “coast”, as it’s something I haven’t explored before. I also really liked the idea of designing for an unconventional interior like a beach hut (compared to a hotel) because this excited me more. This then became my context for this term.
How have you collected research to inspire you and how did you find this process?
For this project, I have collected lots of primary imagery, some that I have taken in the past, as well as specially going out and taking some more focused, new images to help with drawing and research for my project. I really enjoyed taking photos for my project; for me this is the best way of gathering primary research, especially visual research. For additional research for this project, I have looked at current and past trends on WGSN. I have also looked at bespoke designers and companies through their websites, as well as using Instagram to find artists to help inform my thinking.
What’s a particular piece from this project that you like and why?
Within my sampling processes, I feel I particularly like a wallpaper design I created after a repeat pattern workshop. I really like this piece as I feel I have challenged myself to design for a larger scale, which is something I haven't done before until now. Tailoring my design to be a repeat was also a learning opportunity that I will carry forward into future projects. I also really like a CAD (Computer Aided Design) embroidery piece that I created. Personally, I am more print-based, but again, I wanted to challenge myself and create a more detailed CAD design to develop this technique further.
Have you tried any new techniques or approaches and how have you found this?
This term, I have experimented with a few new techniques, these include the use of Jesmonite, a new method of creating ceramic-like tiles out of a powder and liquid. I really enjoyed this technique for its fun nature, as well as the overall look and technique, which adds a new hard surface to experiment with in my projects now and in the future.
I have also trialled with laser etching onto wood this term. I have etched before, but using wood was a new medium to experiment and trial for this project. I experimented with UV printing onto wood and acrylic as well, and I’m thrilled with their outcomes.
What are you thinking about carrying forward into summer term or third year?
Moving into the summer term and Level 6, I’m thinking about experimenting more with the materials available to us in the studio, whether that's different printing binders or techniques. I would also like to develop my own moulds for Jesmonite, using the AUB workshop facilities and vacuum forming, and to see if I would like to take this process further into my final year.
Lastly, I would also like to push myself with scale and materials for designs. This might be challenging myself with more wallpapers or larger print sizes, using Photoshop to create repeat pattern designs for artwork to be exposed onto screens, or thinking more carefully about the fabrics and materials that I use. This is a critical consideration to make sure they fit in with my project and its context as well as my application process.
