ROCKET LAUNCH: FINDING INSPIRATION
Known for creating lively and vibrant patterns, designer Neisha Crosland (who has just recently published a new book, "Life of a Pattern", tracking all manner of her artistic inspirations) continues to embrace a sense of playfulness in her latest appliqué embroidery design, "Rocket". Hand stitched with metal copper thread, raffia and appliquéd velvet, these abstract spaceships are (surprisingly, considering their name) inspired from a time as far back as the 16th century. As many makers will know, ideas will often emerge from the places you expect the least.
For Crosland, this particular design was influenced by the many Ottoman empire textiles which often featured this crescent motif. Mixed with a personal interest in early 20th century Russian Avant Garde art and costume, this hybrid of passions has merged seamlessly to form a contemporary, free-flowing design. By blending styles and illustrations from two entirely separate centuries, Crosland continues to cement her place as one of the leading designers of pattern in the textiles industry.
Her latest book "Life of a Pattern" (which will be reviewed in our forthcoming issue of Selvedge magazine) offers readers an insight into how Crosland got to where she is today, having built up an impressive repertoire of unexpected references forming her life's work. The inspiration for "Rocket" for instance not only came from offcuts of textiles that lived centuries ago, but also from an Egyptian cushion that she happened to pick up one day in a local antique shop. As many great artists and designers will regularly testify, it's important to keep your eyes open at all times, because you never know when inspiration might strike.
"Life of a Pattern" is available to purchase now, from Merrell http://www.merrellpublishers.com/?9781858946573
Neisha Crosland will be in conversation with Fiona McCarthy at the Fashion and Textile Museum,Tuesday 2 March 6-8pm, http://www.ftmlondon.org/ftm-whats-on/neisha-crosland-in-conversation/
Portrait by Kristin Perers http://kristinperers.com/
For Crosland, this particular design was influenced by the many Ottoman empire textiles which often featured this crescent motif. Mixed with a personal interest in early 20th century Russian Avant Garde art and costume, this hybrid of passions has merged seamlessly to form a contemporary, free-flowing design. By blending styles and illustrations from two entirely separate centuries, Crosland continues to cement her place as one of the leading designers of pattern in the textiles industry.
Her latest book "Life of a Pattern" (which will be reviewed in our forthcoming issue of Selvedge magazine) offers readers an insight into how Crosland got to where she is today, having built up an impressive repertoire of unexpected references forming her life's work. The inspiration for "Rocket" for instance not only came from offcuts of textiles that lived centuries ago, but also from an Egyptian cushion that she happened to pick up one day in a local antique shop. As many great artists and designers will regularly testify, it's important to keep your eyes open at all times, because you never know when inspiration might strike.
"Life of a Pattern" is available to purchase now, from Merrell http://www.merrellpublishers.com/?9781858946573
Neisha Crosland will be in conversation with Fiona McCarthy at the Fashion and Textile Museum,Tuesday 2 March 6-8pm, http://www.ftmlondon.org/ftm-whats-on/neisha-crosland-in-conversation/
Portrait by Kristin Perers http://kristinperers.com/