Inspiration

I visited the Manchester Museum for inspiration this week, there were lots of starting points that I could consider for my theme but I was really drawns to fossils and rock. I found lots of textured fossils and surfaces to draw from. I was particularly drawn to the patterns and textural elements of my pictures and the very classic shapes of the fossils.

I think one thing I have noticed after picking this theme is that if I stick to the realistic colours of fossils my colour palette could be just too dull. I want my designs to be bright, so this is something I need to consider. 
 It has become apparent that texture (particularly from the fossils) has become very important to my work. I came across a fashion collection 'Fossil Warriors' by Alice Palmer which I thought was really inspiring and relevant to my theme of Evolution. The collection was inspired by the textures of prehistoric anthropod shells.

http://www.pleatfarm.com/2011/02/14/alice-palmer-ss-2011-fossil-warriors/

 I want to capture the same textural qualities within my own work which I have noticed within my first few drawings;

I have also been looking at other artists for inspiration as I think it is important to have lots of influences before making my patterns.I came across the work of Katherine Lloyd, she makes features for interiors and gardens with a very 'earthy and organic' feel, something that I would like to reflect within my own work.She also concentrates on swirls which I think is a big part in my work.

When I transfer my drawings to pattern designs I want the elements of my drawings to be clear. I have always worked in the way that my digital prints end up looking quite illustrative. I like to show that all my patterns will start from my drawings. Just like the company Publisher Textiles. I have been very influenced by their work as they have drawn elements within their own work, creating unique custom made patterns. They use very traditional methods of hand screen printing, I do not wish to use hand screen printing but I definately want to create the effect of an illustrative pattern by using my drawings. I also want to start working with Lino to try and create a 'hand made' feel to my work and also to use a variation of media.

(Publisher Textiles)