The Print Affair continue to support young people in the textile industry whether they be students or taking the first steps in their careers. Following our recent visit to the ‘New Designers’ exhibition the other week at the Business Design Centre in Islington, please see more of our top picks below.
Thank you to all the exhibitors, whether you feature or not over the next few weeks, for the amazing show that you all put on. We wish you the best of luck for the future.
Liam Clair
Textile Design, Nottingham Trent
Liam’s large interest in ‘Synesthesia’ and the relationship between music and the mind is the basis for his work. Inspired by the work of Kandinsky and his synesthetic theories, Liam’s work seeks to visualise the ephemeral emotions triggered by music through surreal landscapes of lucid colour.
Johanna Squires
Textile Design, Falmouth University
‘Unpredictability’ is a key element throughout Johanna’s prints; created with observational drawings and imagined scenarios that provoke thought. Through carefully selected concepts, the prints have various layers of meaning which constructs a dynamic relationship between designer and viewer.
Initially inspired by surrealist artist De Chirico, as having an avant-garde take on surrealism in terms of collating organic and architectural structures, this collection capitalises on this. ‘Eye of the Beholder’ encompasses many impactful elements featuring natural creatures in uncommon scenarios, through the use of manmade structures, and as a result of this, their being almost becomes human-like giving the client a ‘new world’ experience.
Johannaasquires@gmail.comM: 07713354626 @jo_squ_tex
Demi Carter
Textiles and Surface Design at University of Bolton
Digital print has been a main focus in Demi’s collection. Her final show named ‘Kew Botanica’ is a collection of high-end interior furnishings and wallcoverings which is inspired by a visit to Kew Gardens.
She has taken approaches to visual enquiry including hand drawing with watercolour media, paying close attention to delicate florals and British blooms to inform subtle changes in colour, pattern and tone. The dark, muted colour palette is balanced by pops of deep pinks and yellow on the flowers, whilst creating drama and a feel of luxuriousness through the contrast of light and dark grounds. The large floral designs have been created to enhance the detail and depth of the illustrations.
demicarterdesign@outlook.com @demicarterdesign T: 07933950344
Olivia Beat
Textile Design at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, University of Dundee.
Olivia’s graduate work is inspired by the evolution of British Gardens throughout history. During each era, gardens served different purposes such as medicinal and representing wealth and status, as well as the multitude of plants that were specific to that period of time – each telling their own individual story.
The bold and vibrant backgrounds create a statement which in turn gives a sense of luxury, as well as maintaining fun and exciting visuals. The combination of digital and hand drawn work shows a contemporary approach to traditional floral interior textiles.
oliviabeattextiles@gmail.com @oliviabeattextiles
Martha Crimmins-Impey
Surface Pattern Design at Staffordshire Unversity
Martha’s debut collection at New Designers was inspired by a once in a life-time trip to Namibia, Southern Africa, where she volunteered with African wildlife, experiencing her love for nature at new extremes.
Focusing on her unusual encounters, including curious reptiles and unusual florals, Martha creates a unique collection of designs that evoke sophistication and luxuriousness, through use of rich colours and lavish fabrics.
marthacrimminsimpey1@hotmail.com @martha_.designs
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