Molly Mahon Q&A
All images courtesy of Molly Mahon.
There is something special about block printing that has stood the test of time. Designer Molly Mahon will be teaching this addictive craft in our April workshop. Here, Molly tells us about her work, her approach to teaching and her plans for 2020.
Why did you choose this practice?
I think maybe it chose me! I have always loved creative workshops and had tried all sorts of things from life drawing to children’s book illustration, but it was attending a block print workshops that really set my senses/emotions on fire - I was smitten. The process fascinated me and I was thrilled by that moment where you lift the block and see the printed pattern left behind. I then slowly discovered that block print pattern can be applied to so many things. My designs are inspired by my surroundings, both at home in Sussex and on my travels in India where I work with artisan crafts people. I like to create pieces that will enhance our homes and make people smile. I firmly believe that every home should be a colourful reflection of its inhabitants.
What do you enjoy about teaching this technique?
I love bringing the patterns alive by sharing the process. People often arrive quite anxious, but soon have the ‘bug’ and don’t want to stop printing! I have also seen that the process is extremely therapeutic and the repetition of placing the block is calming and meditative. Double joy - you get to calm down and breath again as well as making something beautiful and practical to take away.
What are your plans for 2020?
We have such an exciting year ahead of us. We are launching our fabrics and wallpapers across the States, my book House of Print (Pavilion) is coming out in May and is available to pre-order now, and we have our ‘Inspired by the English Garden’ series of workshops happening across the UK. Lastly, I am launching a new fabric collection toward the end of the year.
Block Printing with Molly Mahon is now sold out, but to be added to the waiting list, please email events@selvedge.org. Visit our workshops page to view our full listing of classes.