[CRAFT2013]

2013 Australian Craft Awards

Megan Jackson

Website

Winner 

Summary

Megan Jackson creates beautifully hand printed textiles. Characterised by a striking modern and abstract aesthetic, Megan produces a range of scarves, home wares and tableware.

Megan’s proficiency and technical abilities within the process of hand screen printing strongly underpins her creative practice. Inspired the minimalist qualities of Scandinavian design, 1950’s style and ideas surrounding simplicity within Japanese design, Megan pairs her technical skills with an intense passion and love for colour and pattern design.

Organisation

Inspiration/Method

Each pattern I design evolves from a series of mark making processes, in particular block printing, ink drawings and sketches. Stemming from abstracted sightings of nature, shapes and forms both observed and imagined, my designs are a playful exploration of shape, scale, colour and form.

Each scarf is hand screen printed with water based hand mixed inks. Printed onto a light weight silk cotton blend fabric, these bright and colourful scarves are designed to be worn throughout the seasons. Whether it’s a crisp spring morning or sunny autumn afternoon, these light and soft scarves are the perfect accessory!

Functionality and accessibility are key considerations throughout my work, with each print, pattern, textile and object I create designed with everyday use in mind. I believe that beautifully designed products shouldn't be hidden away for a special occasion - they should be used, enjoyed and loved every day.

Design Challenge

The design challenge for this range of scarves was to create a product with a balance of design , aesthetics, materials and function.

Choosing a silk cotton blend fabric allowed me to achieve a luscious soft handle that was light enough to transition throughout a range of seasons. The lightness of this fabric however, posed some technical challenges and considerations within the printing process, in particular the level of ink penetration through the fabric.

There were also challenges addressed in both pattern and colour development. Each pattern design I create and colour choices I make are always designed to transcend annual fashion trends, they are classic pieces which embody a timeless elegance. Each pattern is designed with great attention to detail and worked into colourways which are suited to the end product of a high quality silk cotton scarf.

These qualities, challenges and considerations have resulted in a quality range of highly functional scarves which cleverly balance design, aesthetics, materials and functionality.




This awards celebrates creative and innovative craftsmanship for fashion accessories. Consideration given to all aspects that relate to personal usage, aesthetics, selection of materials, and resolution of the overall function.

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