With June right around the corner, many students are preparing for their final degree shows. One that we look forward to each year is the New Designers Exhibit in London which features emerging talent from across the UK. We caught up with Abigail Pymer, a soon-to-be graduate in printed textiles from Leeds College of Art, about her up-coming presentation and the inspirations behind it.

How did you find your way to surface design?

My hometown is in Essex. Leeds College of Art was my first choice, although I hadn’t yet visited the city. The course Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design drew me in from the beginning. I’ve always known that I had a passion for art and textiles and I’m so glad I pursued it and went with my gut instinct.

What are some of your inspirations?

As a designer my work is inspired by colour, nature and the patterns which surround me. I enjoy drawing florals. I have a combined collection of 42 plants in my house and I love to immerse myself in their beauty.

 

What concepts do you explore in your final project?

I am perceptive of my surrounding environment; my concepts derive from the senses I experience within a space. These concepts were further explored in my essay, as I studied nature and how it can be wildly chaotic, yet structured. This trickles down to my theme research, most commonly natural fluidity, contrasting with sharp geometrics. I work to translate the growth and movement onto fabric, to be worn on the body for a fashion context.

 

What style and technique do you like to implement in your designs?

I have a love for bright, vibrant colour combinations which develops through controlled and gestural drawing styles. I enjoy fusing these styles together to create pattern. This enables me to explore different ways of creating marks on the paper and variety in my design work. I aim to be versatile, practicing the process of digital and screen print. My Wacom tablet is a staple tool for me when designing.

I also enjoy the slow process of screen print, layering binders and discharge techniques to truly experiment on the fabric. This goes hand in hand with the hand embellishment I add to the fabrics, through beading and embroidery.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

In five years’ time I see myself owning a lifestyle brand, or in the stages of working towards this. It will sell my prints along with plant pots and hangers, home furnishings, and clothing. My goal is for people to buy into the ‘lifestyle’ they want and look to my designs as an exploration of individuality in themselves.

Thank you so much, Abigail! We look forward to your future endeavors.

– Jessie Vickery