ABOUT ME

 

I am a second year textile design student at the University of Leeds. My passion for textiles has been a prominent part of my life for as long as I can remember. My formal learning, however, started when I was in my first year of secondary education. At my school, textiles was taught as a part of the syllabus at the same level as huamanities and core subjects. This for me was perfect. It gave me an early realisation that this was something I really wanted to pursue. I carried this subject through my GCSEs and A Levels into the general study of textiles in first year and specialism of structured textiles in second year at university.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TEXTILE DESIGN AT UNIVERSITY

 

In first year, the practical work was a focus on developing an understanding of my own personal style, the best way in which I can communicate my creative ideas. Within my practical project work, I was taught the basics of computer aided design (using Ned Graphics, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator) for creating repeat patterns. I was also taught the basics of fabric manipulation through stitch, weave (hand) and knit (hand and machine).

 

In addition to practical work, my first year studies at the University of Leeds also include more academic practices. My first year modules included: the Fundamentals of Imaging; the History and Theory of Art and Design; Patterns and Culture.

 

In Fundamentals of Imaging I learnt how to use Adobe Photoshop and Adobe illustrator in practical sessions where I was taught to be a problem solver - I had to replicate certain images to make them as close to the original as possible in terms of positioning of lines and colour. I was also taught about the technical side of the use of colour on computers and printers,what difficulties could arise between different machines and monitors, and how to remedy this.

 

The History and Theory of Art and Design: for this module I attended a series of lectures which opened my eyes and mind to different pieces of art and design from history - leading up to more contemporary references. This module culminated in wrtiting an academic report on Grayson Perry's series of tapestries 'The Vanity of Small Differences', taking into account historical and contextual information.

 

In the Patterns and Culture module I learnt the history of visual art, how and where patterns and different visual styles originate. I feel  this module was an in-depth research into the history of my practise (and the practise of all artists); looking from the beginings of civilisation's use of visual art to communicate effectively, to the spread of culture and religion through the trade routes of ancient Asia.

 

For my second year of study I chose to specialise in structured textiles. In the practical work so far, I have focused on two short-term projects which have been used to develop my personal style further. Both projects however were under the same brief title which gave me a market and hint at what directions to take into consideration - this brief was to create samples of objects or materials that could be used in the scenery or costume design for the Northern Ballet Company. The first project was all about knit. I learnt how to use both a Dubied machine and a domestic knitting machine. The second project was about manipulations of fabric, a more open and expressive thought process for me, allowing me to focus on my strengths in stitch and applique work.

 

The academic modules which I undertook in the first semester of second year were: Research Methods; Marketing Creativity and Innovation; and 20th Century Fashion.

 

In my Research Methods module I learnt the important tools and skills required to do extensive academic research into my own practice, culminating in an academic report into contemporary practice of embroidery (my chosen practice) which included both historical and modern text to gain an in-depth understanding on the subject - the ultimate focus of this module was to start preparations for my dissertation. 

 

The Marketing Creativity and Innovation module gave me a valuable insight into the business and marketing world. The module has given me a broad understanding of the role played by design and innovation in improving competitive performance, in current and future business environments.

 

In the module on 20th Century Fashion, I attended a series of lectures, some of which were hosted by guest speakers such as Roland Klein. This has given me an education of the varied styles, designers and influences from the world that were important throughout the 20th century. I recieved a basic understanding of the changes in styles in this time period and was given the opportunity to research further into the topic of my choice for an academic report. I chose to look into the influence of Hollywood on the fashions of women in the 1950s (the 'golden age of glamour').

 

In the my second semester of second year I took a follow up module in Research Methods; Design Theory, a continuation of the first year module Patterns and Culture; and Digital Photography.

The second semester Research Methods module was a focus on preparation for writing my dissertation, I created a project proposal which included my proposed title and aims for my dissertation. This has set me up for a yea of research collection in further preparation for writing my dissertation in final year.

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In Design Theory the focus of study was on the underlying geometric structure of all aspects of design. Taking into acoount theories of proportion, tiling the plane, regular and semi-regular tilings and tessellations, motifs, patterns and symmetry, pattern construction, modularity, the Fibonacci series and the golden section, polyhedra, scale similarity, fractals and the principles of visual perception.

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For my module in Digital Photography I learnt more about the history of photograhy and once again started to practice photography as an art form. For the practical side of this module, I took on a more risque and controversial topic which is why I have not chosen to place the final images in my photography section. I took on the topic of female sexuality linked to pride. I wanted to display female sexuality as something that shouldn't be scary, vulnerable or vulgar as it is soften portrayed. I wanted to express female self-confidence and the beauty of accepting yourself as you are - and knowing that you are allowed to do what you want with your body.

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From September 2016 I will be taking a year out of my formal studies to do a year in industry, so far I have two placements lined up and hope to gain a lot of experience.