Exploring the subtle differences that emerge through observation and habitual making – the quiet act of visualising and listening. Melissa takes the role of the independent observer, focusing on listening rather than talking. This discreet approach gives a strength and focus for creating work that translates knit and stitch into a physical manifestation of time. Each mark and pattern becomes a recording of personal thoughts and emotions, allowing the creation of a narrative.
‘I was able to grow, as a knitted textile designer, to see the functional properties that lie behind a visual concept of manual and digital machine knitting. This also incorporates hand manipulation techniques with its movements of piercing and building. Everything knitted was constructed on the machine as a form of seamless knitwear. This practice captures time and structures, along with the key focal points of shape, texture and fluidity between the machine and myself, challenging my concept and capabilities. Merging the colourful flashes of uplifting brightness I experience in everyday life contrasted with the subdued tones I find in the city where I live gives me an instant colour palette.’
Observation and repetition create not only an experiential pattern but also a visual and textural pattern. The use of narrative, detail and colour creates a statement that translates into wearable art, wearable art that strives to achieve a greater depth of understanding in capturing the essence of a moment.
Thus, an artist’s greatest strength is people watching.
Projects
- Encapsulate'A capsule exploring the evidence of hand & time' Paying homage to the independent observer, my work explores the idea of people watching, with the central themes being mapping space and marking time. Reflecting on a fixation of the repetitive nature of process, the ideas were formed and developed in response to a moment. Exploring the subtle differences that emerge through observation and habitual making - the quiet act of visualising and listening. I take the role of the independent observer, focusing on listening rather than talking. This discreet approach gives a strength and focus for creating work that translates knit and stitch into a physical manifestation of time. I was able to grow, as a knitted textile designer, to see the functional properties that lie behind a visual concept of manual and digital machine knitting. This also incorporates hand manipulation techniques with its movements of piercing and building. Everything knitted was constructed on the machine as a form of seamless knitwear. This practice captures time and structures, along with the key focal points of shape, texture and fluidity between the machine and myself, challenging my concept and capabilities. Observation and repetition create not only an experiential pattern but also a visual and textural pattern. The use of narrative, detail and colour creates a statement that translates into wearable art, wearable art that strives to achieve a greater depth of understanding in capturing the essence of a moment. Thus, an artist’s greatest strength is people watching.
Work history
Knitted Textile Designer
Belfast, United KingdomFreelance
Skills
- Fashion Knitwear
- Knitwear Designer
- Knitted Textiles
- Embroidery
- Digital Embroidery
- Crochet
- Garment Construction
- Adobe Photoshop
- Adobe Illustrator
- Financial Management
Education
Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Textile Art, Design and Fashion with First Class Honours
Awards
'One to Watch' Award