New York City Evaluation

During my visit to New York City, I was presented with the opportunity of visiting three different design studios; The Rug Company, Maharam and Flavor Paper. Each one very different from the next but all incredibly inspiring. 

On reflection, I don't think it is possible for me to choose a 'favourite' or a company which I related to the most, because I believe that I learnt so much and took something new from each studio.  

Company number one: The Rug Company

Located in the middle of Soho, this beautiful studio claim to 'produce the  finest rugs in the world', and from seeing their work, I couldn't agree more! From the wool sourced in Tibet, to the weavers who hand-knot the pieces in Kathmandu Valley, to the incredible artist collaborations; every step of the process is carefully reviewed and although it may be long and expensive, the outcome is truly incredible. 

It was fascinating to learn about an alternative route to explore as a weaver. 

Things to remember:

-The finer the knot, the more intricate the design

-'Trace on trace'- silk and wool dyed together gives a different colour quality

-Silk is used to reflect light

-'Galaincha'- custom made programme designed in Nepal for rug designers

  

Company number two: Maharam

Founded in 1904 by Michael and Steven Maharam, this sustainable company is renowned for its site specific graphic art installations, as well as publishing and textile design. As soon as I entered the studio, I was overwhelmed by the open space and clean, white, bright studios- I later learned that this is essential for colour decisions! It was great to see another aspect of Textile Design and how I could develop my ideas into a successful career. Working with such a diverse range of people and artists from all areas of the creative industry, their work showed me that textiles is as restricted as you make it.

Things to remember:
-Sarah Morris, British-American painter
-Scholten & Baijings, large colour blocks/panels
-Hella Jongerius, interesting to see transition between embroidery and cut out pieces, to jacquard woven or printed floral designs. 
-Ability to work with industry outsiders (graphics, photographers, painters) as well as textile collaborations
-Studio Job, Dutch couple exploring the bizarre
-Alexander Girard, architect and textiles designer, well known for colourful abstract and geometric forms

Company number three: Flavor Paper

Established in New Orleans, by John Sherman in 2004, this studio has since relocated to Brooklyn and produces wall installations, digitally printed murals and hand-screen printed wallpaper. Their works varies from a mix of original core pieces (William Morris, Van Gogh inspired) to new and contemporary pieces, shown through their collaboration with the Andy Warhol Foundation. 
I am hugely inspired by their belief to be driven by what they believe in, rather than following trends and chasing the market. 'Stay true to yourself; people will find you and spread the word' will always stay with me and I think it's a great motto to work by. 

Things to remember:
-They use all water-based inks
-Hand screen can't be customised but digital can
-Trust yourself and your own sense of what is fun and playful
-Lenny Kravitz
-Simon Page, geometric UK based graphic designer
-Josh Minnie

Not only was it an incredible opportunity to visit such successful textile companies, but it was amazing to experience New York City for the first time. The week away allowed me to grow hugely as a person; at times it was a little scary to be in such a huge city so many miles from home, but once I'd conquered that I felt like I could conquer anything! It taught me how things aren't always easy but eventually you can work your way through it and be a stronger person by the end. 
During the week, I proved to myself that I can manage stressful moments and times when I'm working outside my comfort zone; I want to take this learning curve and use it within my studies. Due to the area I have chosen to study, I know it will be difficult for me to reach my aspirational goal(this will include a lot of interning and jobs which won't always be what I want) however, I need to remember this week away and reassure myself that if I work hard enough, I will be able to achieve what I dream of.