25/06/10 - The fabrics are printed

Since spending hours drawing interpretations of characters taken from the Mabinogion I have now received all my printed textiles, in the form they are meant to be in; on fabric!

The process of production is multi faceted, with it all starting with me thinking up how to visually describe the narrative, characters and feelings that are represented in the story I wish to depict. Actually, it is less story and more character depiction. I then work in ink and gouache, drawing the samples that I then transform into repeat patterns. These patterns are sent of To the Print Department at Glasgow School of Art and printed using digital printing technology onto a range of fabrics. There is an environmental impact related to this process, and I will discuss this later in more detail.

I was sent the fabrics last week, and have only just managed to upload the images. The fabrics have all been sewn to size, ready for exhibition at MOMA Wales, which will start next week. I have submitted all exhibits, and am busy producing various printed textile products that are both useful and beautiful. Pockets on belts, pinnis, purses and bags are my current favorite. It is really important that beauty and practicality go hand in hand.

My textiles communicate ancient Welsh narratives that focus on relating human wellbeing to the natural environment, to the wild elements, while becoming beautiful prints, presented in a practical and useful way. Put on your eco narrative pocket belts!