March 2012: Queen Elizabeth QEST Scholar Award.

I am delighted to be the recipient of a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Award. QEST (Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust), the charitable arm of the Royal Warrant Holders Association, was established in 1990 to advance education in modern & traditional crafts and trades in the UK. Winning a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship will enable me to continue MA Textiles in Mixed Media at the RCA.

I am passionate about using traditional techniques and materials in new and innovative ways with the aim of pushing the boundaries of textile design. Trying to merge two opposing qualities has been insightful and produced some pleasing results. The scholarship will allow me to continue to create unique fashion/interior fabrics with a strong emphasis on material exploration.

Past scholarship winners have included antiques restorers, calligraphers, potters, sculptors, silversmiths and upholsterers; I am thrilled as a textile designer to now be counted amongst them as a Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust Scholar. For more information please visit QEST.

Press January 2012: Featured on Stylesight’s website for material innovation.

Press January 2012: Featured on WGSN's website for the A/W 13/14 global materials direction.

Royal College of Art 'Work In Progress Show'

The fabrics exhibited here were created for the WSGN A/W13/14: Materials creative direction project. The project was concerned with 'tactility' in this digital age. Engaging the senses through sensory touch through tender bundles of fiber and threads. Surfaces range from the powdery to smooth and ceramic or heavily textured.

Animation Project created as part of my MA at the RCA.

Neighbourhood Colour Fashion Project.

Geometrics

Work inspired by the layered flashes of colour and shapes captured by architectural glass in Canary Wharf. The rigid sharp lines of the buildings contrasted with the distorted blurred outlines of the reflections, are echoed here. Intricate stern hand cutwork is combined with fuzzy stitching to create this beautiful geometric fabric. Once stretched this fabric is transformed and becomes a three dimensional surface.

Neighbourhood Colour Fashion Project.

Sway Fashion Show.

Bespoke Beaded Dress for SWAY FASHION SHOW.

This kinetic bespoke beaded dress was inspired by the movement of ocean-life studied at the Lost Chambers Aquarium at the Atlantis, in Dubai. Drawings were produced using the build up of pigment to create interesting textures and patterns. Using the drawings to suggest textile techniques and materials the idea of encasing beads within fabric was arrived at. As the wearer’s body moves so do the trapped beads creating this beautiful visual movement of colour.

Bespoke interior piece inspired by chandeliers sold to a private client for their home in London.

Press July 2011: Featured in WGSN's UK top ten graduates for inspirational use of new materials, processes and techniques.

The WGSN Materials team highlights 10 inspiring graduates from the recent BA and MA Product, 3D Design, Craft and Industrial Design shows in London, presenting inspirational new materials, processes and techniques.

Opening Night of the degree show: My work viewed by the Deputy Lord Mayor of Westminster, Councillor Jan Prendergast.

Final Major Project Title: It is impossible to overdo luxury.

Inspiration

Studded with precious stones the crystal chandelier represents the world of beauty and opulence providing escapism and fantasy. I have captured these qualities through drawing and photography, communicating the dazzling effects of refraction, light, colour, shape and texture. Typically seen from afar close-up views of this beautiful object provided opportunities of detailed exploration. However it was also important to observe the chandelier suspended from high ceilings within their aristocratic surroundings, signifying its ‘power’ and ‘wealth’ status.

Outcome

Taking inspiration from extravagant chandeliers the resulting bespoke final pieces are luxurious, decorative and have an interiors application. The ‘tile’ like pieces are infused with glass beads, luxurious handmade fabrics and an array of vibrant threads.

I have tried to challenge contrasting materials by experimenting with ways of combining ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ materials to create a new outcome. I have used the textures, shapes and patterns from my drawings of chandeliers in the selection of materials and designs.

Bespoke interior pieces infused with glass beads, luxurious handmade fabrics and an array of vibrant threads. Title: Fallen.

Title: Tiered Star.