I was so impressed and inspired by the quantity and quality of the Manchester School of Art's degree show (even more so than the year before!) For part of our summer tasks before we go into Level 6 Textiles in Practice, we were asked to choose 3 students' work that we felt we could relate to the most, whether this was through visual, contextual or process/ technical reasons. We did have the option to look at work from all courses, however I struggled to choose between what the Textiles department had to offer. I chose the work that stood out to me the most aesthetically, and whose context I could relate to the greatest amount. My specialism is weave.
Lydia Cotterell
'The idea of ‘Unsophisticated art’, has translated through the naïve aesthetic of my work, allowing it to be unashamedly playful. This has created vibrant, eclectic and colourful designs mirroring the vast variety of sights seen in festival crowds. The character illustrations that adorn my fabrics are inspired by the wild costumes seen at festivals and carnivals, and are heavily influenced by the photographs of Charles Freger’s folkloric Wilder Mann.
My collections are focused on exterior and interior contexts, transitioning from day to day products through to camping and outdoor living equipment. I have translated these ideas with a strong focus on handmade processes specifically screen printing with a mixture of digital sublimation prints.'
Lydia's work was hard not to miss due to the substantial tent situated in eye-view as you walked into the Textiles in Practice degree show. Her work instantly appealed to me due to the playful colours and subject of the print. There is a sincere contemporary feel to Lydia's designs, and the detailed embellishment really adds an extra quirk. Whilst at the show, I was also looking at the variations of display techniques. I liked the fact that I could pick up and interact with these Samples whilst on their hangers, which is definitely something to start thinking about my degree show next year.
Rebecca Ough
'I am a hand weaver currently specialising in fabrics for interiors. My work takes influences from the urban environment, in particular repetition within architecture. I have taken influences from the op-art movement and patterns in everyday life. Visual research in the form of photography and drawing is a vital stage in the development of my graphic woven patterns. My Collection of samples was designed with an upholstery context in mind.
My future aspirations include gaining valuable experience in the woven interiors industry; I also aspire to work as a freelance woven designer.'
Specialising in weave myself, I was instantly drawn to all woven samples. As part of Rebecca's show, she upholstered some of her fabric onto arm chair arms, and mounted them on the wall. This enabled you to visualise clearly her context which I thought was a great idea. Just like Lydia (above), she also had a rail of samples that you could pick up and touch. The geometric formations instantly grabbed my attention as that is a specific aspect that I'm interested in, as well as her concept being based on the urban environment, I also like the idea of taking influences from my Manchester and Liverpool surroundings. Rebecca has demonstrated skills on the floor loom that I never thought were even possible which has inspired me to start designing more complex deigns of my own.
Eden Lysette Blaber
'I am a Textile Designer specialising in hand woven fabrics for high-end womenswear and haute couture collections. As a designer, I respond best to visual catalysts and chaos; and a journey to Morocco earlier on in the year played a huge part in the energising elements of my main collection. Paying close attention to yarn choices, colour and texture; I have visually explored these concepts through an experimental approach in order to demonstrate the impact that this experience has had on my work. My final collection ‘Bejewelled’ has also been inspired by both contemporary and ancient jewellery, and as a result my work continues to be intricate and ornate with a luxurious feel.
Next year I will be continuing on my studies with a Masters in Textiles (Weave) at The Royal College of Art in order to fulfill my aspiration to design and make fabrics for fashion.'
Following Eden's work throughout the year, I have always loved how delicate and colourful her pieces are. Due to sheer amount of detail, her samples always seem to be a thinner width than the average, but longer, which I feel works in her favour. The Moroccan theme runs strong through Eden's final collection, and the theme is very evident. The pattern formations aren't to my particular taste, but I specifically liked the use of beading and embellishment, adding that extra element of dimension. Her display technique was interesting in rolls on a plinth, and enabled you to see both sides of the samples. Looking through Edens portfolio, the element of womenswear is very evident, and I believe that these fabrics would be perfect for that.
