‘Authentic Aesthetic’ Printed Textiles - Design Development
Inspiration
My inspiration for this project is Leighton House Museum. Leighton House is the former home and studio of the leading Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. The house is beautiful, unusual, non-conformist and completely indulgent. What I hope to capture in my work is personal creative freedom, I have no colour restriction or design formality. What I am taking from Leighton House Museum and the Aesthetic movement is not working with an end goal in mind, Aesthetic artists did not seek to convey a message through their work, there is no brand focus or customer in particular. Visiting Leighton House Museum led me to look into the life of Lord Frederic Leighton in greater depth to better understand the common values brought into the later part of the 19th Century by him and other artists, suggesting that, it is of high importance to be surrounded by beauty. Lord Leighton's home was an example of this practice.
Frederick Leighton was an art student from childhood, he studied at the Academy of Art in Berlin, Städelsches Kunstinstitut in Frankfurt and Accademia di Belle Arti Florence. Foreign training meant that his work was not received as well as many other artists in Victorian Britain, considered rebellious, is wasn't admired by all. Some London art critics rejected his work.
His style was detailed realism, he shared values of other Aesthetes, respecting nature, poetry and true beauty. In 1855 he moved to Paris, he surrounded himself with painters of an older generation and their style of work greatly influenced his earlier drawings. Moving to London in 1859 he established his Holland Park studio, a work of art in itself.
Lord Leighton’s art was timeless, drawing on beauty from every form, he studied each section of what would be included in the final work. If he painted masculine or feminine form he would work from the drawing, beginning with nude and layering, although this isn't visible in paintings I get the impression this was to create true depth and an undeniable realness to the image. From visiting Leighton House I understand how Lord Leighton's surroundings gave him a real desire to give beauty to others. Each room had a different feeling, the entrance to the house seemed quite formal, understated and beautiful. Walking through to Narcissus Hall, you can view the staircase and Drawing Room ahead, to the left is the intricate, highly decorated Arab Hall. The whole house is amazing but my favourite room was 'The Silk Room' it is an understated room in comparison, painted in a vivid but somehow muted green shade.
Research
Developing my research by looking into the later part of the 19th Century, in particular the Aesthetic Movement. I will reference this era in comparison to the rise of craft, the appreciation nature and what is beautiful.
‘Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy concerned with the nature and appreciation of art, beauty and good taste. It has also been defined as "critical reflection on art, culture and nature". The word "aesthetics" derives from the Greek "aisthetikos", meaning "of sense perception".’
Colour Palette
Mood Boards
Motif Designs
Print Designs
My textiles print collection is relaxed, artistic and developmental. This collection includes eclectic designs whilst incorporating my own style consistently to bring it together.
Fashion Collection
The loungewear garments handmade for this collection have a relaxed feel to them. The designs are complimentary to my home furnishings. This collection is inspired by Haider Ackermann’s Spring 2015 menswear collection and Jordan Britton, someone else who, to me, represents a modern day aesthete.
Textile Collection
Portfolio
The portfolio for this project reflects my style of work and concept. I wanted this to feel like an active sketchbook, unpolished but refined with some unfinished designs to focus some attention on the artwork included.
Photoshoot
