My first sale on Etsy.com
Prints for Sale http://folksy.com/shops/Maudia
Appie days…
I was curious how people were posting amazing photos on Facebook with interesting effects and borders. I then discovered that all you had to do was press a button on a i-phone!!! Considering I don’t have the money to buy one I borrowed my sister-in-laws and spent a day played around with the apps using photos of my work…I picked out some of my favourites to post, and came to the conclusion that i really want an i-phone xc
I did it my way…
Someone once said to me (cant remember who) that every Textile Designer needs a floral collection, and they couldn’t have been more right…I just wish that someone could have mentioned this before New Designers!! It was pretty obvious in London that week that everyone still loves flowers!! Don’t get me wrong, a lot of non-floral projects done very well but it was very clear that the majority interest was flowers flowers and more flowers . Any one that knows me and my work knows that I’m not a floral sort of girl!! At the beginning of this project I felt like i was selling my soul to the devil as I spent 5 years of further education avoiding the theme, trying to be as original as possible. BUT Ill take on any challenge as I know I’m not a one trick pony and surprisingly enough i really enjoyed doing it. Of course I’m not going to sell out completely and do pretty pink flowers (cerise pink makes me sick into my own scorn) instead i did it my way!! xc
ps. Most Textile Design related jobs require a strong Floral hand (its even stated in the job requirements)
Screen print fabric and wallpaper samples for interiors
review of original brief
Reflective pattern
My initial idea stayed the same, but my focus point changed. From the beginning I was interested in lizards skin, which can change colour for reasons such as communication and camouflage. Originally I wanted to use thermal inks to recreate this colour change, but as I began to experiment I realised they did not work well on the fabrics I wanted to use.
I continued with the idea of colour change, and using fabrics which had similar properties to animal skins in terms of appearance and texture; but I needed a new approach on how to create a change of colour in my prints.
I went back to my research and reviewed my photos from Edinburgh zoo and noticed that a lot of the animals I photographed were iridescent and changed colour when the light was reflected off of them.
Originally my prints were going to be for home interiors, but as my project progressed, it was suggested that I should research night club interiors. This context worked better with the prints I was producing as I was using shiny fabrics and card; and was printing with foils and metallic binders.
I have designed a range of wall papers, and a selection of fabric samples which could be used as furnishings or wall panels. My prints would work best in darker areas like nightclubs where artificial light can reflect off of them.
Ideally I would like to work for a company or designer who designs interiors for modern hotels and high end nightclubs or bars.
All images and designs are copyrighted by Claudia Mc Elhill ©
Sketchbook work
All images and designs are copyrighted by Claudia Mc Elhill ©
Final Major Project Proposal/brief
Protective Colours
My final major project is aimed towards prints for interiors. I intend exploring the textures, patterns and colours of certain animals and birdlife whilst exploring the range of pattern and colour opportunities found therein.
The working title of my project is ‘Protective Colours’. My research focuses on why animals are so colourful, and how their feathers and skins protect their bodies, their display characteristics and purpose.
I am particularly interested in animals such as lizards whose colour changes are both communicative and for concealment and to this end I intend to use thermal or heat sensitive dyes/ inks within my final collection. I am looking beyond the outline or recognisable shape of these animals and focussing on surface detail and pattern.
Naturalists such as David Attenborough’s documentary work and the quality of photography found in National Geographic magazine have been major inspirations and a good secondary source for information.
My primary research consists of a body of drawing, mark making and photography from Edinburgh zoo and I am currently building up a collection of feathers.
My contextual research so far has been in both fashion and interiors. I was inspired by Alexander Mc Queen’s 2010 collection featuring digitally printed fashion with colourful snake and reptile skins. I have researched contemporary interior designers such as Rocio Morenor. I like her use of vibrant colours on silks, which I would like to incorporate into my work. I prefer abstract shapes, but while researching I came across illustrative prints by Gabi Bolton which I liked very much.
I enjoy using Photoshop so I will be producing a mixture of screen and digital prints on fabric and papers. I will also be experimenting by manipulated fabrics, and using materials that reflect the properties of the animal’s skin. I like to texture my prints by layering screens; I prefer using pigments as the colours are brighter and easier to overlay but I will be experimenting with various inks and techniques to see which fit my project best. My sketch book involves a lot of painting and collage and I like to develop these styles from paper into material. I also take inspiration from fine art especially Art Nouveau. Gustav Klimt in particular because his use of gold, which resembles foils that will work well with the colours and textures of my theme.
My dissertation has taken another direction than my proposed 4th year work. I chose to explore another interest of mine, advertising and media, although my case study is based on one of my favourite fashion labels Chanel, I am finding it interesting to learn how media is involved with fashion.
All images and designs are copyrighted by Claudia Mc Elhill ©
