Natasha Raison
I have designed a range of unique contemporary patterns which also highlight the environmental impact of the textile industry.
About
My final collection is called Threads of Optimism. It aims to highlight the way the textile industry misuses water but also suggests hope for the future.
The project started as a photographic record of movement in water under the overall theme Dive In. I immersed myself in studying water in nature and was struck by its surface beauty until I realised many of the best effects were caused by pollutants: one puddle was particularly stunning, a gleaming oil rainbow by the side of the road. I began creating my own ‘oil’ images, marbling with nail varnish and acrylics, and experimenting with engine oil and petrol in a home-made water tank. The resulting images were photographed and combined digitally with my original water images.
I decided to create a conversation piece that could highlight the pollution caused by the textile industry. The designs carrying the message are printed on synthetic organza which needs vast amounts of water and pesticides in its creation. The beautiful-seeming material itself becomes part of the message.
Samples: A3 printed cotton and paper
I created sample prints to explore the damaging environmental impact of oil but also celebrate our striving for sustainability.
Final: 70cms x 200cms hanging organza prints
The final pieces mix dark and light: water can be both beautiful and highly polluted. One-off patterns are mixed with repeated designs. I want my final designs to be unique and stunning but also to highlight environmental concerns.
Threads of Optimism 1, 70cm x 200cm
This is one of the five final conversation pieces. It shows movement from light to dark which reflects how the textile industry often pollutes the water it uses as part of its process.
A3 Sample - OIL SPILL
Oil Paint creation mimicking pollution from an oil spill. This has been manipulated digitally in Photoshop.
Threads of Optimism 2, 70cm x 200cm
Original photograph taken inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, of the water surrounding the Temple of Dendur. This has been combined with a dyed mono print mimicking an oil spill.
I have a small business on Etsy selling resin crafts. My business is called NJRcraftanddesign. Each piece is completely handmade and unique. when I leave university I will expand my work beyond resin crafts, building on the skills I have learned at university. I can also be found on multiple Instagram platforms, including @nata.sha_djcad and @njr.craftanddesign