Lucy Wilhelm
February 4, 2009
Textile designer Lucy Wilhelm speaks to Largom about her creations, career and what’s next.
How did you get involved in textile design?
As far as I can remember I’ve been drawn towards beautiful objects and colours, created by nature as well as man made. At Nottingham Trent University I studied Textile Design and this allowed me to combine my interest in textiles with my passion and creativity. I believe your home is your shelter and cocoon of comfort. Textiles allow you to enhance the feeling of wellbeing through beautiful fabrics and patterns. Being able to express my creativity on textiles allows me to bring art and design onto another level and communicate my love for shape and colour. I observe our society and register information occurring around us. I adapt my designs to what I perceive; this allows me to create collections that have a very personal connection to my work.
What has been your most memorable piece to date?
Working on my project ‘Sense and Sight’ has allowed me to create textiles for visually impaired people. Working closely with the Blind Society in Nottingham I was given the opportunity to create textiles that enable visually impaired customers to ‘feel’ what has been portrayed within the design. I felt like I achieved a collection that was not only dominated by trends but also reached people on a more personal level. This project created a platform that made art and design more accessible to members society – it was unique experience for me to see my work connect with people in this sense.
What has been your most popular piece?
An exhibition piece I created for Nottingham Trent University. The theme was underwater world. My final exhibition piece was a 3m long textile with imagery from an underwater scene. I took design and visual elements out of context and this allowed the visitors to observe the piece more closely and find elements within the design that evoked emotions and created a very personal attachment to the work.
Have you any exhibitions coming up?
I will be exhibiting my work at Premiere Vision in Paris in February 2009. There might also be an opportunity to showcase my work in the UK, negotiations are underway and I will keep the public informed on my website www.lucywilhelm.com
Where can we get more information about your products?
I am currently working on a new product range which is most likely to be available on my website or by contacting me via the link on my website. I am currently negotiating with an Online Design Shop where the products can be purchased. A growing aspect of my work is through privately commissioned pieces, wall decorations or fabric lengths. I will be producing interiors fabrics and have been working within fashion industry of late.
Where are they available?
I can be contacted with regards to my products on my website www.lucywilhelm.com or via the e-mail link info@lucywilhelm.com A product section and a newsletter option will soon be opening on my website.
Who is your favourite designer?
I admire the work of Nani Marquina, who is a devoted ethical producer of textiles and carpets that never fail to impress with creativity and quality.
I am inspired by Tord Boontje, a visionary designer, who creates breathtaking works that entice and above all inspire through a combination of material process and shape.
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