I have for many years now enjoyed my work as a Painter and Decorator however, I also have felt something was missing!
My interests at the moment are on the traditional printing methods on fabrics. In saying this I don't really have a clue about the technical processes behind the production of fabric. I know the basic stuff like cotton, nylon and wool. Wool for instance being from the coat of a sheep or goat and has a number of benefits like the warmth and insulating properties, waterproofing and in days of old was also wind resistant making it a vital commodity for the first traders and hunters. Still used and as popular today the history of wool makes for an interesting read.
One of the earliest memories I have is the story of sleeping beauty spinning a yarn or whatever on the spinning wheel.
I remember being fascinated at the time with the spinning wheel machine, Wonderment mixed with a little bit fear, unsure of the fact that a small prick from it send sleeping beauty into a deadly sleep......
The spinning wheel also appeared in the film Rumplestiltskin, spinning straw into gold.
The stuff of myths and legends or is it?
The history of the spinning wheel tells of the bible story that also mentions spindles and spinning. Spider Woman, a Goddess in Navaho culture, taught them the art of spinning.
Arachne (a spinner) challenged the goddess Minerva to a spinning and weaving contest and was turned into a spider in Greek mythology.
The Spinners, or, The Fable of Arachne (1644–48) by Velázquez
Who is Velázquez
Velázquez was born in 1599 in Seville in southern Spain, at the age of 11 he was an apprentice to Francisco Pacheco, Seville's most significant artist and art theorist.
Velázquez soon surpassed his master and here I was shocked to find a link to the artist Caravaggio. Caravaggio was famous for his dark, dramatically lit works and un-idealised models.
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| Caravaggio the calling of st matthew |
Here I find a connection to the importance of Art History! It seems that the path of art is all interlinked and connected in many ways. Its so easy to lose sight of the intended subject and find yourself immersed and engrossed into a total different subject. From wool production to the greek mythology to the artist Caravaggio. Also the link from Velázquez studying the work Italian paintings (titian) led me to such works of Titian. He then became acquainted with the artist Rubens who was another big name. Fascinating stuff!!
Now how do I get back to my intended subject- Fabric Wallpaper?
In truth I dont really know about the best fabric to be used for the process of making a fabric wallpaper but I know it can be done! I seen it once at a job, a damask pattern hung in a dinning room! It did give a touch of elegance! I think used in the right way this could make way for a fresh modern trend. Having colourful abstract pattern for the younger clients and traditional scenes for the more old style tastes or period homes.
Questions I ask myself are : What about the surfaces, intention and modern technology. Digital printing vs traditional methods. I don't intent to look at murals etc or vinyl wallpaper. I want a cotton like fabric soft to touch and can be used in bedrooms of dining/living rooms. To incorporate it into the curtains and upholstery as well as the walls. Depending on the clients brief etc. A real leather wall or leather panels to recreate an wealthy look of the old style gentleman smoking room, mixed with velvet's and rich colours of burgundy reds and browns! Hunting themes in a boot room or fishing theme etc.....soft white fabric with little flower patterns for a ladies bedroom giving it a light roomy feel. Repeat patterns of famous art scenes or culture theme works. China's and Japans art world is something that I have heard has taken a massive boom in the contemporary art world.
Inspiration for the western world is another area I would like to look into..
The artist and print maker Hiroshi Yoshida is known as a Western-style painter and printmaker. Born in Kurume, he lived and worked in Tokyo. He first painted landscapes in oil, but won early fame as a watercolorist. He developed an interest in printmaking in 1920 and self-printed all of his work except his first seven prints. His early printwork depicts views of Swiss and American landscapes.
Fond of traveling, Yoshida was also an avid alpinist, with mountains and water figuring prominently in his works. A significant contributor to and organizer of important exhibitions at the Toledo Museum of Art, Yoshida's work was well represented, with 113 prints in the 1930 show and 66 prints in 1936. A romantic realist, Yoshida's style resembles that of an English 19th Century watercolorist applied to Japanese themes.
Hiroshi Yoshida is noted for the subtle colors and naturalistic atmosphere. His works won numerous prizes in Japan and in the world, gaining strong Western influences during his travels. He later established the Japan Alpine Artist Association.
some of Yoshida prints from the site castlefinearts.com.....
I could see this as a repeat pattern as a traditional print fabric but bringing out the intense colours
Why fabric when you can used Wallpaper? Why not!! A touch of class. Our homes are an important part of who we are and with our busy lifestyles a made to last personal touch to come home to and enjoy is something I know I would love!
Made to measure and sewn in a factory! Then hung in place. Surely it can be done and on a varied budget.
A small team of workers with skills in joinery, electrics and painers/plasters would quickly workout the easiest and fastest method to work in.
I do need to learn and explore more into the world of textiles and techniques as well as print and block printing. But for now this is a starting point.
