My Final Major Project draws inspiration from my cultural background and upbringing. Growing up in England, I was exposed to British artists and designers through the Prince’s Drawing School, which took place at renowned institutions like the V&A, Royal Academy of Arts, and Natural History Museum. At the same time, I also had a strong connection to Polish culture, community and traditions. This blend of influences has shaped the theme of my project, taking inspiration from the Arts and Crafts Movement. My print collection incorporates historical symbolism and motifs that tell the story and reflect the identity of Poland. I explore hidden symbols in the artwork of the Arts and Crafts period, depict well-known myths and legends from around the country, and celebrate traditional crafts and textiles that are a part of Polish folklore. Through this collection, I aim to bring to life my rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions of Poland with my individual drawing style. Here are a few glimpses and selected images showcasing my final textiles design collection crafted exclusively for Interiors.
‘Blossoms of Folklore’
Features intricate floral motifs blooming out of a vase onto the cushion, adding enchantment, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
The design showcases a captivating colour palette of ten layers, symbolising cultural richness and artistic expression of Polish folk textiles. This design invites you to appreciate and enjoy the artistic beauty of heritage.
Method: A screen print using pigment onto linen blend
'Natures Crafts'
This handcrafted cushion design draws inspiration from the beauty of nature and the Arts and Crafts movement, particularly influenced by Wyspianski and William Morris. The hand-drawn elements capture the essence of handcrafted work, with small pen strokes, screen printed using pigment on textured dead-stock fabric. It has symbolic sunflowers, representing Polish folk traditions, decorated with embroidery and rowan berries, traditionally worn in Folk costumes and associated with love, joy and protection are a prominent motif in the entire collection.
'Nature Intertwined' - Round cushion 2
Karol Klosowski's designs have been a great inspiration to me, particularly his skill in incorporating nature and symbolism. Drawing from this influence, i decided to include a passionflower at the heart of my design, which holds religious significance and represents the passion of Christs love. Additionally, I adorned the design with hand-painted folk flowers, incorporating their intricate motifs to enhance its overall beauty. These handmade cushions are lined with handcrafted piping crafted from leftover fabric sourced from the sunflower designs. This resourceful approach ensures that no material goes to waste, adding and eco friendly element to the creation process.
'A Journey of Heritage'
This design stands as the pinnacle of symbolism within my collection, drawing inspiration from the Opole Village museum and weaving together historic and personal symbols. It captures the essence of my experience and the captivating elements i encountered throughout the museum. Nature takes centre stage , with graceful storks soaring above, vibrant sunflowers blooming, and the Tatra mountains in the backdrop, all reminiscent of the simplicity and artistic renaissance found in Opole. Beyond artistic influences, this designs holds personal significance.At its heart, nestled in the lower centre, is the depiction of a woman. This woman is my aunt, who accompanied me on that beautiful and unforgettable trip to the museum. Wearing her signature red dress adorned in polka dots, she represents a cherished memory of that journey. Though she has departed, the imagery within the design signifies new life and the enduring beauty of her existence.
‘Słonecznik’
‘Słonecznik’ meaning sunflower in Polish.
Sunflowers held great symbolism during the ‘Young Poland’ period, representing transformation and renewal. These vibrant flowers, with their seed production and association with the sun and light, served as a powerful reminder of new life.
This collection celebrates beauty and craftsmanship with a decorative purpose. My interpretation shares resemblance and correlations with the historic traits of the ‘Zakopane decorative arts’ style such as their conventional wood carving that resemble woodblock prints and have influenced my choice in technique of lino cuts which have then been developed into this print.
Method: A screen print using pigment onto linen blend
‘Spring Migration’
Folk art and folk culture played a crucial role in reviving Poland in the 1890s, where storks held significant symbolic importance. These elegant birds represented life’s renewal after winter, representing the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of life.
Application: Digital Wallpaper
Folk art and folk culture played a crucial role in reviving Poland in the 1890s, where storks held significant symbolic importance. These elegant birds represented life’s renewal after winter, representing the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of life.
Application: Digital Wallpaper
‘Legends Unfolded’
Legends unfolded takes us on a whimsical journey through tales of Polish myths and legends. As your eye travels down the wallpaper, so do the stories. Emphasising a rich narrative. The design invites viewers to immerse themselves as they gaze upon the wallpaper.
Application: Wallpaper
Method: Digital Print developed from a lino
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT
