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University of Huddersfield   2008/2009

Emma Blackburn

My previous work was initially inspired by an exhibition of decorative Victorian and Edwardian tiles by William de Morgan. I am increasingly influenced by Islamic designs, particularly those found within ceramic tiles and those covering monuments. I create two-sided fabrics through layers of print and hand stitch. Pigment, procion dyes and discharge perform like the inks, wax and bleach that I use to create my drawings. Repetition of such processes makes each piece of textile work entirely individual. My interest in historic buildings has encouraged me to observe the textiles utilized and displayed within Chapels and Cathedrals. Regimental flags and fragments of those that have been conserved have inspired my use of the flag from resolving the work as cloths to be hung in interior spaces.

I intend to use the AA2A Scheme to evolve these flags produced as part of my final project on my degree. I hope to close the gap between my textile and the flag by creating more flow and movement through the use of hand stitch, patchwork and over-processed fabric. The institution will offer me the space, time and access to specialist equipment, allowing me to continue exploring a range of techniques and processes, while essentially enabling me to develop a flag at a greater scale.

I aim to produce a body of work strong enough for exhibition and I hope to develop my fabrics to the point where they are ready to sell as artworks.