MIXED TREND 3

Fashion/textiles/accessories
visual communication
INDUSTRIAL/PRODUCT/SPATIAL
ceramics/jewellery/glass

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CONTENTS
Follow each day of NEW DESIGNERS with the ARTS THREAD Blog
The Award winners, highlights by sector and whats new.
We celebrate a selection of the designers featured on ARTS THREAD
and found at New Designers 2011 and look forward to the talents
showing at One Year On this summer.

New
Designers
2012

Introducing exceptional
graduate design talent
for over 25 years
Part 1: 27 30 June
Part 2: 04 07 July
Business Design Centre
52 Upper Street London, N1
Book now on 08448 480 138
or at www.newdesigners.com
quoting ND19

fashion/textiles/accessories

VISUAL COMMUNICATION/MOVING IMAGE

INDUSTRIAL/PRODUCT/SPATIAL

ceramics/jewellery/glass

Updated Daily
Reports on:
Graduate shows worldwide
Design events, shows and exhibitions
And much more.
Creative students and graduates: please update us
with your newswe are here to cover your events
on the ARTS THREAD Blog.
Contact: blogcontent@artsthread.com

Cover Image
Mellow Yellow, Mellow Yellow, Bekx Stephens
bekxstephens.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/bekxstephens

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DECORATIVE
TECHNIQUES
New furniture makers with an eye for details

hile at New Designers last summer, we picked up on a

range of designers who are using woodworking techniques
that are both functional and decorative. A key driver is the
interest in how to join two planes without the use of glue or clumsy
screws; easy solutions so redolent of mass-produced furniture.
A graduate of Sheffield Hallam University, Russell Knights
KRF series of table and chair takes the technique of kerfing as its
key feature. Russell explains: Kerfing is a process that requires
the placing of controlled and precise cuts in timber to allow the
material to bend efficiently without the use of steam bending or
lamination.In the KRF series two high quality timbers American
ash and walnut have been used to complement one another and
create contrasting shades.
The triangular gaps created by the kerfing process have been
filled with walnut inlays to create a strong but subtle visual detail
that also signals the chairs craft heritage.
James Pettinger, a graduate of Bucks New Universitys
Furniture: Design and Craft course, has created Desmond stool
and Jeremy table from his exploration of the material rattan cane.
Acid-stained copper is used for the tabletop that has been given a
lacquered finish. Alongside the table is a dodecahedron 12-sided
stool that uses stretched cane to create the seat. Both pieces of
wood furniture are held together only by rattan cane stitching. James
says: This simple method of stitching planes together is surprisingly
strong and rigid whilst adding a decorative feature that you cant
help but run you fingers over.

Fellow Bucks New University graduate Luke Diaz is also

inspired by the concept of stitching wood together, this time
using hemp twine. In addition to a cross-stitch technique, Luke
has also wrapped the twine around pieces to keep them fixed
together and used buttons and toggles with smooth finishings and
organic styling. Pieces include two styles of table with drawers,
stool and mini hat stand.

Yvette Cox from Plymouth University showcased Florence

coffee table at New Designers last summer. Using the low-energy
technique of steam bending and locally-sourced wood from the
South West, Yvettes table has thirteen steam-bent legs that flow,
twist and weave between each other whilst supporting the body of
the hand-crafted tabletop.

Opposite KRF series, Russell Knight, Sheffield Hallam

University, rsk05@hotmail.com
Left Desmond, James Pettinger, Bucks New University,
jamespettinger.wordpress.com
Top right Stitch-Wood, Luke Diaz, Bucks New
University, artsthread.com/p/lukediaz
bottom right Florence, Yvette Cox,
Plymouth University, yvettecox.weebly.com

6 ARTS THREAD

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GLASS JEWELS
The beauty of glass is revealed
text: CALUM ROSS

RTS THREAD takes a look at two graduate designers who

are exploiting the versatile and decorative nature of glass to
create special jewellery pieces.
Plymouth College of Art graduate Sara Fell combines her skills
as jewellery designer and glass artist to give her designs a unique
conceptual twist. A self proclaimed jeweller with interior intent,
Sara is interested in the hidden and precious elements of jewellery,
asking why do we hide away what we perceive to be our most
treasured possessions?
Taking jewellery out of its usual context of body adornment
and in to the world of design and interiors, Sara has created
Precious Integrations, a collection that celebrates the high altar of
femininity and the ritual beautification that forms the essence of
the dressing table.
The collection is a 21st century update of the opulent dressing
table sets of the 1920s, with elements of jewellery integrated into the
various cast, lampworked and blown glass objects, finished with brass,
silver or 22 carat plate. An elegant perfume bottle hides a ring while a
powder puff box and trinket box reveal a necklace and bangle.
Sara isnt the only designer who has been influenced by the

1920s; Central Saint Martins graduate Sammie-Jo Coxon has also

found her creative muse in that decade, but rather than drawing
inspiration from the design of that era, Sammie-Jo turns towards
the Surrealist art movement.
Referencing the work of artists such as Claude Cahun, Joseph
Cornell and Hans Bellmer, Sammie-Jo explores the manipulation of
the body through the use of glass, crystals and precious metals.
By constructing bold, simplified and skeletal shapes, I aim
to contain the body in an unusual and thought provoking way,
Sammie-Jo continues. I encourage the wearer to approach my
pieces with a sense of discovery, playfully inviting them to engage
with the structure and the negative space that surrounds it on a new
and exciting level.
Sammie-Jos collection of statement bangles in glass or plated
gold based on cubes and spheres have a playful element to them,
with large open circles that allow the piece to become a beautifully
made puzzle, as apposed to just another bracelet.

Opposite and left

Precious Integrations, Sara Fell, Plymouth College of Art,
sarafell.com, artsthread.com/p/sarafell
Photos: Simon Bruntnell
Above Sammie-Jo Coxon, Central Saint Martins College
of Art & Design, sammie-jocoxon.blogspot.com

8 MIXED TREND

THREAD
ARTS THREAD MAGAZINE

MIXED
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Follow

ARTS THREAD magazine: the best of graduate work from

the top schools of arts & design worldwide.
ARTS THREAD magazine is published 2 times a year and
costs 5.00 online and 10 (+p&p) in print.
In the ARTS THREAD online store you are able to purchase
our latest and also our archive magazines both in
downloadable PDF format and as a printed magazine
sent in the post.

the

Visit: artsthread.com/magazine

Thread
ARTS THREAD NETWORK is open to all Higher
Education students globally and ARTS THREAD
portfolio members.
NETWORK allows you to show your latest
work to the creative industryin advance of
graduation for those at university/college and
new work after university/college for ARTS
THREAD portfolio members graduates.
network.artsthread.com

one year on

e look at the work of a selection of designers who will be

exhibiting in One Year On at New Designers 2012. This
focused zone curated by designer Jethro Macey will showcase
a group of 58 young designers with an entrepreneurial flare and a
strong body of work.

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PATTERN

Black & White / Surreal / Space / Modern / Shadows

UNEXPECTED JOURNEYS

SKULL CULTURE
Skull Culture began with a one off image of a
skull, which led me to a quick internet search for
reference. I was amazed at some of the stuff that
popped up featuring skulls, I then started seeing
them everywhere on T-shirts, mugs, tattoos,
CDs. It was then that I got interested and started
researching the subject. My goal for the project
is to create a visual catalogue of the skull in the
world today.

My love of recycling vintage imagery and

exploring the connections between images
and sounds has fed into the majority of my
illustrations. Reinventing forgotten imagery
and making the discarded, desirable again
is something I find really exciting and highly
relevant for today.
Dawn Gardner, studied Havering College, dawngardnerdesign.
com, artsthread.com/p/dawngardner

Luke Parker, studied University of Derby, artofparker.com,

artsthread.com/p/lukeparker

SARA
I am inspired by the insect world which often
features crisp outlines of wispy leaves and velvety
flower petals, seductively intertwined with looped
vines that trail alongside weightless butterflies
gently opening their wings.
Im not afraid of looking into the shadows and
shedding light on the beautiful creatures that live
in darkness.
Johanna Fleming, studied Heriot-Watt University School of
Textiles and Design, johannafleming.co.uk,
artsthread.com/p/johanna

super-reality
The prints strive for drama whether through
simple visual means or not. The look always turns
out to be surreal, modern and distinctive.The
prints evolve through a process of thoughtful
reduction and acceleration.
Kit Miles, studied Royal College of Art, Textiles, kitmiles.co.uk,
artsthread.com/p/kitmiles

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CRAFT

Natural / Recycled / Hand-made / Precious / Textures

GOLD DIGGER
This series has been inspired by the
flirtatious, kaleidoscopic geometry found in
the choreography of early films of Busby
Berkley in the 1930s. The work explores how
the accumulation of repetitive forms, each one
similar but not the same, may be amalgamated to
construct harmony, not unlike the dancing show
girls featured in Berkleys films.
Hannah Lovett, studied Manchester School of Art MMU,
hannahlovett.com, artsthread.com/p/hannahlovett

MILK JUG
The initial inspiration for my work stems from
the natural qualities of wood; the grain, texture,
colour and growth abnormalities. I love the
variations that occur in different types of wood
and I try to reflect this in the etched details I
include in my work. I strive to combine wood with
silver to produce functional tableware, by turning
wood to produce an outer bowl and spin silver to
produce an insert that sits inside the wood leaving
a high shine.
Gillian Tigdewell, studied De Montfort University,
gilltidgwell.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/gilltidgwell

TOOLS
I love old tools because they are often beautiful
objects and because they connect us to a time
where we were more concerned with production
than consumption. The austerity of recession
has generated renewed interest in the idea of
make-do-and-mend, but visitors to museums of
historical collections often wonder what the tools
were for. In using hand-made abstract versions
to provoke the same question, I hope to highlight
our collective lack of awareness of making and
production.
Sharon Adams, studied University of Brighton,
sharonadams.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/sharonadams

CERAMIC CALABASHES
This work centres on working with craft and
bringing the community together. The bowls were
the culmination of the cross cultural tea party
series involving Ghanaians and local people in
Plymouth.
This range of cast ceramic bowls has been
inspired by and developed from African
calabashes, which are used for drinking tea and
eating. I textured them with different patterns
resembling Western wallpapers to blend the two
different cultures in the ritual of drinking tea.
Maria Puga, studied Plymouth College of Art,
mariapuga.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/mariapuga

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LIGHT

Unexpected materials / Playful / Patterns of light / Shimmer & Shadow

TWIGGY VENEER
My etched veneer lampshades come complete
with vintage lamp bases and each has been
individually sourced and rewired. Each shade is
bespoke allowing the customer to play with size
and choose the wood.
VESSEL SERIES
This work is definitely inspired by the marine
environment I live in, it references buoys and
the forms youd find around a dockyard or in the
harbour. I feel it meshes together elements of the
natural alongside the industrial. I am inspired by
materials, and their possibilities, how they interact
with the space theyre in and the other materials
and forms around them.

Rachel Powell, studied London College of Communication,

rachelpowellinteriors.com, artsthread.com/p/rachelpowell

DIAMOND

My work is inspired by a desire to pull together

the elegance and precision of midcentury
furniture, particularly Scandinavian furniture with
a more playful, intuitive approach to designing
and making found in a lot of contemporary
design.

The reflective electrochemical finish is central

to its form and function. It plays with the light
to project fantastic luminous patterns above and
around the shade. Secondly, its almost mirror
finish copies the colours of the surrounding
environment, placing the Diamond comfortably in
any surroundings.

Felix Mccormack, studied University College Falmouth,

artsthread.com/p/felixmccormack

Joss Barton, studied Kingston University,

jossbarton.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/jossbarton

DESKTOP RANGE
The desk set range came from an investigation
into scars of production.The intention was
to exploit material characteristics: concrete
has weight, durability and a raw feel, the spun
metal and turned woodrelate to the function of
theobjects and result in a pure form.
Scars of production is on-going research of how
manufacturing processes give the physical marks
on products and leave the scars as identities
rather than obliterating any indication as to how
they were made.
Tatsuya Akita, studied Northumbria University,
at-studio.net, artsthread.com/p/tatsuyaakita

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TEXTILE

Hand-worked / 3D design / Geometry in nature / Recycling / Organic forms

ZERO WASTE LAND
Zero Waste Land is wall art made by recycling
waste from the fashion and textile industry. By
adapting and modifying traditional paper making
methods, the textile waste is used to make a new
material - pressed, embellished and laser cut to
create wall displays for interiors.
The fabric sheets created by recycling the waste
are used to design various textures for magnetic
wallpaper tiles; the decorated tiles can be
attached to the wall by coating it with a layer of
magnetic ink.
Kristel Erga, Chelsea College of Art & Design, kristelerga.com,
artsthread.com/p/ergadesign

SCALLOP VASES
Inspiration is drawn from organic forms and
the work I am currently producing is indeed
recognisable for its three-dimensional qualities.
I combine modern design using traditional
equipment. Each product is hand-crafted from
knitting to finishing to a very high standard using
luxurious low carbon footprint natural yarns.
The pieces I produce are all about buying less
and spending wisely, keeping in mind the impact
these products will have on the planet and their
lifecycle.
Marisa Sanvito, London Metropolitan University,
annaemme.com, artsthread.com/p/marisasanvito

MELLOW YELLOW

FANS

I first became interested in origami at university

and since then I have been developing the
process, exploring the properties of paper and the
many possibilities it offers.

My work is inspired by geometry in nature,

innovative fibres, transformation and colour
change. My current work is all about fibre optics.
I create organic and geometric shapes using
handwoven fibre optic cables and metal wires.

The material is my inspiration. The simplicity

of paper and its properties inspire me. I never
design, pre-plan or try to predict what might
happen when starting a new piece, I just simply
let the material dictate the outcome.
Bekx Stephens, studied University of Derby,
bekxstephens.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/bekxstephens

The end product is plant-like, full of texture,

interacting with natural light. The injection
of artificial light gives it life, helping it remain
decorative throughout the day.
Zhiqiao Zheng, studied University of Brighton,
artsthread.com/p/zqz

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JEWELLERY

Nature / Geometric versus organic / Unexpected materials / textural contrasts

MOSAIC ROOF BROOCH

SPECIMEN BRACELET
The inspiration for this collection stems from
science, specifically the heart and scientific
instruments such as microscopes. I used materials
that were reminiscent of these such as reindeer
moss, silicon rubber and magnifying lenses. The
jewellery pieces play on how you wear them and
they all have an interactive element.
Holly Barton, studied Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design,
hb-designs.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/hollybarton

I have a strong interest in Japanese

traditional architecture and the sprit of
Zen since I was born and lived there for
most of my life. I have always loved the
natural materials, colours and textures
surrounding me. My new work will be
focused more on my own spiritual feeling
of Zen and my love of nature, with less
architectural elements.
Mariko Sumioka, studied Edinburgh College of Art,
marikosumioka.com, artsthread.com/p/mariko-sumioka

LADY GRANGE LOCKETS

AXIS OF REFLECTION
I am generally inspired by maths and
physics imagery, particularly shape
distortion and also in how academic
subjects relate to creativity. For this
collection I am honing in on geometric
pattern on both a 2D and 3D format, using
hinges to allow shapes and forms to be
adjusted and new angles created.
Ruth Laird, studied Glasgow School of Art,
ruthlaird.com, artsthread.com/p/ruthlaird

This collection is inspired by the true story of Lady

Grange and her abduction from Edinburgh in 1732 and
subsequent imprisonment on the very remote island of St
Kilda.
It consists of hollow form pieces in silver which have an
unusual finish as they have been hammered using stones
as the tools. The collection includes lockets hung on
handmade chains, with details in gold and precious stones,
which hint at the Lady. The rough textures contrast with
this, reflecting her situation of being a Lady amongst the
hardy locals of St Kilda.
Merlin Planterose, studied Duncan of Jordanstone: University of Dundee,
merlinplanterose.co.uk, artsthread.com/p/merlinplanterose
Photo: Shannon Tofts

20 FASHION/TEXTILES/ACCESSORIES

DIAMOND
The investigation and manipulation of sheet
metal to create lighting. Named after its
multifaceted aesthetic the Diamond is laser
cut from stainless steel with a pre-applied
electrochemical finish. It is hand folded and
manufactured in England.
Joss Barton, studied Kingston University, jossbarton.co.uk,
artsthread.com/p/jossbarton