3250 Final Project | melissa-conroy

FSAD 3250 Color and Surface Design of Textiles

Final Project

The final project in 3250 is to combine a minimum of two of the surface design techniques we learned to create three yards of fabric. Students are to choose a color theory concept to apply to their final project. In the Fall of 2021, students were directed to find a historical textile for inspiration. They researched the use, construction method, and cultural significance of the textile and then created a textile of their own design inspired by their findings. They did not emulate the textile, or the construction method. Rather, they created their own design using surface design methods we covered in class.

Korean Bojagi Cloth, Inspiration for Jackson Kwon's final textile

“For my chosen textile, I was inspired by the Korean wrapping cloth, known as the bojagi. The bojagi is often characterized by its unique patchwork design and functional use—often utilized to wrap items to transport goods, to cover food, or to carry gifts. In the past, the bojagi was used in Buddhist rites and as royal wrapping cloths.” - Jackson Kwon

Wood Printing Blocks for Jackson Kwon's final project.

“I was inspired by the juxtaposition between the organic and geometric patterns of the bojagi. The quilt-like patterns of the bojagi—reminiscent of the works of Annie Albers and the artisans of Gee’s Bend—can be characterized by its playful interactions of rectangles and squares. One aspect of the bojagi that I particularly enjoy is the found-object and hand-made quality of the textile, which ultimately make every piece unique and special.” - Jackson Kwon

Jackson Kwon's final textile

“My design process for the bojagi-inspired textile began with cutting free-formed rectangles and arranging them into collages. I found this process rather liberating and allowed the geometry to speak for itself. Once I arranged them into a pattern that I was satisfied with, I repeated this process two more times.” - Jackson Kwon. Jackson's final textile combines black printing with black walnut naturally dyed base.

Historical Inspiration for Anastasia Mahdavian.

"The textile that I chose is from one of the books on Shibori, however the inspiration that Itook from it wasn’t necessarily in the technique itself but rather the shape and texture that it was able to create. The specific textile was a kimono by Itchiku Kubota created on silk withembroidery in gold thread. What I thought was interesting about the end use of it being a Kimono is that this was an extremely popular medium for art at the time in Japanese culture."

Anastasia Mahdavian's project

"As I was reading about the piece in the book it stated that “Just as the canvas was the accepted form of painting in the West until recently, so costume has been the accepted form of textile art in Japan” (Wada 221)."

Anastasia Mahdavian's final textile

Anastasia's final textile combines Shibori with block prints. "I wanted the shapes to be inspired by the piece and also take inspiration from the culture/history with the motif of a koi fish."

The Strawberry Thief by William Morris

“The historical textile I chose to base my own textile off of was Strawberry Thief by William Morris. The piece was dyed in Indigo and then discharge was used to remove color from certain areas. Woodblocks were used to print all of the designs and Morris is known for his bright colors and complex floral and bird designs. The piece was inspired by the birds who often ate strawberries from his garden. He is considered to be influential to the Arts and Crafts movement in Britain during the 1800s, which emphasized the importance of craftsmanship, design, and tradition in contrast with rapid industrialization.” - Hannah Norris

Hannah Norris's Final Textile

“Drawing inspiration from the intricate floral design in Morris’s work, I decided to base my fabric off of the concept of Nature vs. Nurture in Psychology. I am minoring in Human Development and in my other courses, we discuss the importance of both genetics andenvironmental factors, which shape our personality traits and experiences. I decided to incorporate the brain image as a subtle layer underneath flowers and plants that remind me of my family and important places."- Hannah Norris

Detail

"I included rosa rugosa, orchids, hummingbirds, hydrangeas, and blueberries. This shows the foundation of biological differences that are underneath what weexperience. Both play with one another, but are distinct and vibrant in their own ways.” - Hannah Norris. Hannah's final textile combines screen printing, discharge, and block printing.

Melissa Conroy

FSAD 3250 Color and Surface Design of Textiles

Final Project

MC