Home textiles
project duration : one semester
For Graphic Design Seminar I intend on making a series of homegoods such as curtains, throw pillows, table cloths, wallpaper and placemats that exploit their objectivity, going against their traditional patterns and designs therefore making them something more than what they really are. Such as, making curtains that are double-sided and made of transparent fabric so when the light is coming from outside of the house there would be cross imagery, and at night when the light is coming from an interior source the imagery would be that of the interior pattern. Table cloths that once the corresponding place mats were put on would make different imagery and three-dimensional wallpaper that would change depending upon light and shadows. All of the objects created would have a similar theme so that they can be displayed together as a whole. I will also be investigating branding of items. I intend on creating a logo for this line of home textile goods.
I plan to construct my line of homegoods making patterns of type and of simple geometric imagery in Adobe Illustrator. From there the patterns would be screen printed onto fabric and then constructed with the help of my sewing machine.
The content of this project is based on fully utilizing what each object is and then exploiting it. Looking at simple home goods such as curtains and tablecloths and making them into something more than just a simple decorational object, but making it into something that when the viewer looks at it realizes that it is much more. Having each piece create a dialog with another not only through color and pattern but through layering and taking other things into account such as lighting. Also having the ability to make the object's imagery change with ease because of lighting or positioning.
Creating this line of home decorational items I think will not only further enhance my technical skills with screenprinting and sewing, but also make me think more creatively about my options in expanding the objectivity of each p iece. I will also become immersed in creating patterns and breaking patterns in two that work well on their own, but also together.
While my idea for this project was still blooming in my mind, I attend the International Gift Fair in New York City. The Fair inspired me and got me to more seriously think about textiles as an idea for my seminar project. I was able to see first-hand many current and interesing vendors such as Fold Bedding, Variegated Inc., and Not Neutral. All vendors are doing interesting patterns with textile home goods. Since the Fair I have started researching what other designers are doing with textile home goods and interior design by reading magazines such as Dwell and Nest.
I would be taking full advantage of Senior Design Seminar because it is the first time in my collegiate career that I can focus on a project that is truly self motivated. Making these pieces is also an honest and genuine interest of mine. Envisioning the oncept of this project from the beginning and then seeing it the whole wsay through is exciting to me. I plan to take full advantage of this situation because it gives me the freedom to make truly self motivated and interesting work that I would not be able to create otherwise. I am looking forward to watching this project grow and change and become better. I am passionate about my work and this project and I am honestly excited to create these pieces of work.
faculty advisor : Maya Drozdz
Corinne Back
Eric Bailey
Dave Blank
Brian Cannon
Nathan Hayward
Paul Kinchla
Curtis Levesque
Meghan O'Connor
Nicole Pivirotto
Brian Savignano
Matthew Sexton
Luke Shover
Ron Theriault
completed projects (fall semester)
Dave Blank
Kerriann DiLeo
Rene Dolabaille
Ben Jenness
Hedwiga Kulig
Joseph Lambert
Chung-heng Liu
Nicole Pivirotto