I took a recent watercolour sketch and turned it into a wood block ready for printing within an hour.This was an exercise in using technology to retain creative spontaneity – I usually use the computer to neaten and ‘vectorise’ my initial artwork, creating digital image files that I can use for pattern making, but in this case, I made a … Read More
I’ve added a new design to my Gum shadows range of fabrics. For this pattern I used a half drop pattern repeat. This is a really useful pattern repeat technique if your initial design appears too regimented in a regular linear design repeat format. This particular design is based upon gum tree leaf silhouettes. I began the design process with … Read More
Continuing with my botanic pattern designs, I have recently been designing some patterns specifically for printing on fabric. Designing for large scale printing: fabric, wallpaper, wrapping paper etc. usually involves creating a pattern repeat. In this post I’ll detail the process I followed to turn my original field sketches of gum trees into an abstract print pattern series I call … Read More
I’ve been developing a collection of surface pattern designs with a botanic theme. My process begins with watercolour sketches and observations in the field. From these sketches I create a set of patterns that would work well in a variety of mediums, including lino relief print. When considering designing for lino printing, I often find myself looking at the outlines … Read More
I really enjoy the whole process of relief printing with lino tiles, from the initial design phase, through carving and onto the ‘final reveal’ stage when you peel the paper from the tile and see your printed design for the first time.I haven’t really done much printing since my art college days, so a recent return to the medium saw … Read More
Some of my best project ideas come to me when I’m browsing though fabric stores. When I saw this striped material I wanted to make place mats, with a bright orange binding. I started by working out some measurements for the mats. I laid out my (small) dining table as though for guests, and measured just how big I could … Read More
Reverse appliqué, is a method of layering fabrics and attaching them together, usually by sewing, and then cutting away portions of the fabric to reveal a design. I have been creating 6″ square pieces, taking inspiration form Celtic knot work and art nouveau tile designs, and have now progressed to a larger wall hanging based upon a fields design motif … Read More
I just created a poster and postcard design for a local art exhibition showcasing the work of my local ceramics group, and as the tutors name is Betty Jennings the exhibition is named after her classes: Tuesdays with Betty. When creating a poster/ postcard that illustrates the work created within a group of people its important to find a strong … Read More
Tube lining is a technique I’ve always enjoyed working with in my ceramics, and I thought I would have a go at transferring the principle to artwork. To tube line a tile or pot – a bead of wet clay is applied to the surface of the object forming enclosed spaces, this is fired and results in raised areas across … Read More
I designed a printed flyer for an art show. The exhibition was for two artists, one working in ceramics and another a painter working on acrylics & oil canvases.