19.12.2011
Interview with Award winning textile designer Lorna Syson.
 I first saw Lorna's textiles at 100% Design in 2010 and met her at this year's 100% Design and we chat on Twitter. I have always had a love of 3 dimensional textiles, colours and textures that raise themselves literally and metaphorically from the usual. Always a great addition to interior design schemes as they lift the look and become art work.
I am also keen to champion young people and love their enthusiasm and get up and go - and Lorna has plenty of that! An eco designer to boot, her textiles are beautiful, tactile and mesmerising.
I am delighted she has accepted to be interviewed. So who is Lorna Syson?
I love designing and the challenge of making homes and interior spaces more enjoyable to be in. Textiles can really help with reducing echoes in large spaces in homes, offices and public spaces as well as adding warmth and making rooms a more pleasant environment to be in.
I started Lorna Syson Textiles in 2009 with support from the Princes Trust and my brilliant mentor Peter Dickson and in 2010 I won the Shell Live Wire Grand Idea’s Award for my eco collection.
I studied Multi-media Textiles at Loughborough University and received a first class (hons) degree and a diploma in professional studies. (where i spent a year working and designing for companies including Diane Von Furstenberg, Jovani, Peacho and Kresbery, Next and Topshop)
I believe it is possible for design and environmental and social issues to work together.
Where possible all materials are sourced in the UK. I carefully select my fabrics such as the the eco wool and nettle fabric, 100% Wool or the digitally printed organic cotton.
What do you love about your job?
There are many reasons why I love my job, I love the design freedom I have because of working for myself, I also love the sense of achievement I get when I finish a commission or installation, from the smallest of flowers to a larger ruffle triptych. Because everything is made by hand the product develops as it is created and I can respond the piece and the way the fabric folds to give the best possible result.
How do you think the UK has influenced the design world?
UK design is so important to the world, I’m proud to be a British Designer, its something I like to shout about
What inspires you?
Inspiration is a difficult thing to pin down. I’m inspired everyday by the world around me, from my commute to work on the bus to exhibitions at the V&A. I’m about to go to the photographer of the year exhibition and the natural history museum, last year this exhibition gave me great starting points to start my research from.
Do you have any trend or predictions for next 6-12 months?
From the tradeshows I have been to there has been a massive reaction to my Bradbury prints on wallpapers and fabrics, they fit into the new trend which Trend Bible titles ‘Geographique’ from the feedback I have had I think this is going to be huge.
Who do you enjoy working with?
Being a designer maker, life can be a bit lonely with deadlines to do and no chance to get out of the studio, but I am really luck to share my space with three close friends of mine all working withing the textiles field. They are fabulous to have around and also great to bounce ideas off. I am also just starting collaboration with a chair designer, so watch this space, we are hoping to have a finished product in time for Maison Object in Jan 2012Any unusual hobbies/leisure activities?
This is not something I get to do often living in London but I love scuba diving, I find it one of the most relaxing things to do. I’ve been lucky enough to dive all around the world and it is something I dearly miss.
Best advice given to you?
My mentor told me a quote the other day which said ‘Often your success in life can be measured by the number of difficult conversations you have’ which I think is true.
Who do you admire (it can be anyone in any field)?
There are many inspirational people out there but I went to a talk given by Kelly Holmes, the double Olympic gold medalist when I was first starting out and was so inspired by her, she told us her story and her struggle to get to the top. I later saw her in the gym and had a chat, she is the loveliest lady I have ever met and was really interested in what I did and the fact I started out with the princes trust as she is one of their patrons.
Share a new discovery with us (shop/artist/supplier/anything!)?
There is a fabulous new shop called Lovely and British, on Bermondsey street close to London Bridge tube. It is just down the road from my studio and have started to stock some of my work, which is selling really well there. I also help out on an odd Saturday as I think its really important to meet the people who buy my work so pop by if you get a chance and say hello
Bragging rights to..?
I got to go to a breakfast meeting with Terrance Conran at sacks on firth avenue in New York when I showed at ICFF. It was all thanks to the fabulous work of BEDG and UKTI because they set up the meeting for us to meet him and pick his brains about British design.
How did you get into your field of work?
It was definitely because of my teachers, I had an amazing art teacher called Mrs Goodwin who taught me that art wasn’t just about painting but also so many other things. Creative subjects were more of a pleasure for me than anything else and really didn’t feel like work
Were you artistic from a young age?
I was always making from a young age, I entered many Blue Peter competitions and was really upset when I didn’t win, or even get a badge. My dad still has my winning clay squirrel from the school autumn creatures competition when I was 9 at home.
What/who got you started?
When I graduated from university I showed at New Designers and sold a piece to a window display designer. I then later sold design and cushions and realised it was something I really wanted to pursue whilst I was still young without any commitments.
What’s the idea behind your designs/concepts/work?
All of my work is influenced by the natural world. For the most recently collection I looked into the British countryside. The great tits used in the Juneberry and Bird print nested outside my home this spring and the shapes reflected in the Bradbury print came about by looking at the negative spaces created Bramble bushes.
Best project – greatest achievement?
I loved creating the triptych for the private home commission in South London. I discussed with the client to sort of design they liked as well as colours. From this quite specific brief, which included influences such as Rothko paintings, the triptych was created. I was so proud of the outcome and receiving this email for my client was fantastic “The tryptich in the bedroom is utterly amazing; stylish, bold, tactile yet warm - it has made the room. ?Thank you so much again, I hope you are as pleased as we are.”
Achilles heel?
Impatience, I am aware of how my business needs to develop and grow over the coming years and the work, which needs to be put in. Sometimes I wish I had two of me but I am learning that it is as much about the process of growing the business in a sustainable way as the end goal.
Favourite city?
New York, New York ! I lived on 34th Street during my placement year and had the most amazing time, I love the city and the fact there is so much to see and do mostly within walking distance.
Favourite country?
I would definitely be Nicaragua, I went there when I traveled Central America and it felt like the country was untouched by tourism. It was very relaxing and everyone was so friendly, I also got to g volcano surfing down an active volcano. It was definitely worth the walk up carrying the board.
Dream commission or work?
I would love to work on more large-scale commissions and for space for the piece to be influential on the whole design process. A modern foyer in one of the canary wharf office buildings would be fabulous to design for. I walk threw canary wharf on my way to work everyday and often eye up the different buildings and spaces.
What book you reading now?
A the moment I am reading a thousand splendid suns, by Khaled Hosseini. I’m only a 100 or so pages in but I’m getting really into it.
Complete ...I am frustrated by....?
By the Internet access we have available at the studio. It is temperamental at the best of times and can really create havoc when things need to get done.
You can go back in time – where would you go and what would you do?
I would be interested in going back to work with Robin and Lucienne Day in postwar Britain. They helped transform British design after world war two and I think they would be extremely inspiring people to work with.
How do you relax?
I relax when I see my friends, I ban many of them from talking about work with me so I can have a chance to think about other things. I find because I love and care about my job it is often on my mind.
The most important lesson you have learnt?
To go with your instinct, if something or someone makes you feel uncomfortable then don’t get involved, if it feels right then keep going and with hard work it will all turn out alright.
_______________________________________________
Thank you Lorna for an insight into a young designer's life and work! looking forward to the new work for the French exhibition in January 2012!
If you want to chat with Lorna or discuss a commission she can be contacted visa her website
www.lornasyson.co.uk
Twitter : @lornasyson
LinkedIn: Lorna Syson
For regular news, tips and ideas for your gardens and interiors, subscribe to our twice monthly Newsletter and receive a FREE guide "Can't sell improve!" for savvy improvements that will help you sell or freshen up your house right HERE.
|
