Rowland Ricketts: IDR205A
History/Background and Historical Context
Rowland Ricketts is a textile designer that creates beautifully dyed fabrics with abstract designs, using Indigo dyes. His journey began whilst he was an English teacher in Japan, where he first discovered the traditional art form of indigo dyeing. Ricketts started his journey in the indigo dyeing field, as an apprentice for a Japanese farmer and dyer, where he learned the traditional art form of indigo dyeing. Continuing his study of the art of Indigo dyeing, he gained knowledge on various fibres, traditional techniques, chemicals and dye processes used in the textile industry. There he then gained the necessary skills for farming the indigo plant, to use for his very own …show more content…
He was asked during an interview, as to what captured his attention for indigo dyeing in the first place, and his response was “Whoa, where did this colour come from? What is this?” (Wiggers 2015, Page 28). The idea of being able to show a broader spectrum of people the benefits and the beauty that each individual dyeing process is so vivid and exciting. To not just continue the tradition, but to adapt and expand on the given knowledge to then connect the past to the present through these designs. The environment is his main inspiration, connecting with nature, through a hands-on method, experiencing the growth and energy that is …show more content…
The strength of the indigo dye varies, dependent on the length of time a piece has spent in the vat, or the number of times the fabric piece is dipped. Ricketts uses stencils and a type of tie-dye process, to create his detailed and bold patterns for his fabrics. Each pattern Ricketts creates provides a story or assists in evoking a response from individuals, allowing diverse responses and thoughts to be expressed. Texture is present in each piece created by Ricketts, the chosen materials first provide the texture, the natural grains, bumps and imperfections that occur with a natural fibre/material are then amplified by the dye itself and form a protective layer over the dyed
History/Background and Historical Context
Rowland Ricketts is a textile designer that creates beautifully dyed fabrics with abstract designs, using Indigo dyes. His journey began whilst he was an English teacher in Japan, where he first discovered the traditional art form of indigo dyeing. Ricketts started his journey in the indigo dyeing field, as an apprentice for a Japanese farmer and dyer, where he learned the traditional art form of indigo dyeing. Continuing his study of the art of Indigo dyeing, he gained knowledge on various fibres, traditional techniques, chemicals and dye processes used in the textile industry. There he then gained the necessary skills for farming the indigo plant, to use for his very own …show more content…
He was asked during an interview, as to what captured his attention for indigo dyeing in the first place, and his response was “Whoa, where did this colour come from? What is this?” (Wiggers 2015, Page 28). The idea of being able to show a broader spectrum of people the benefits and the beauty that each individual dyeing process is so vivid and exciting. To not just continue the tradition, but to adapt and expand on the given knowledge to then connect the past to the present through these designs. The environment is his main inspiration, connecting with nature, through a hands-on method, experiencing the growth and energy that is …show more content…
The strength of the indigo dye varies, dependent on the length of time a piece has spent in the vat, or the number of times the fabric piece is dipped. Ricketts uses stencils and a type of tie-dye process, to create his detailed and bold patterns for his fabrics. Each pattern Ricketts creates provides a story or assists in evoking a response from individuals, allowing diverse responses and thoughts to be expressed. Texture is present in each piece created by Ricketts, the chosen materials first provide the texture, the natural grains, bumps and imperfections that occur with a natural fibre/material are then amplified by the dye itself and form a protective layer over the dyed