MA: Llio James

I completed my MA in 2014. Take a look at my web site to see what I’m currently up to.

WEEK 32 | 15th September MA Show 2014

This collection started with my research into the Welsh Woollen industry, which inspired me to collaborate with an existing mill in Wales.

The inspiration for this body of work draws from the seascapes near my home in west Wales; studying maritime signalling flags together with traditional designs embedded in Welsh textiles.

I hand weave my design samples in lambswool, and following discussion with the mill the design is developed to be taken forward into production.

My intention is for these fabrics to be used mainly for interiors, furnishing and decorative purposes.

WEEK 31 | 8th September 2014

WEEK 30 | 1st September 2014

MAKE, MAKE, MAKE! The plan this week was to turn my cloth in to products! I had a clear plan of what the finished products (throw and cushions) would become. The part of turning the cloth in to products is key, and I had many ideas I wanted to explore. All the small finishing details matter. All finished with my own very hands. 

WEEK 29 | 25th August 2014

WEEK 28 | 18th August 2014

WEEK 26 | 4th August 2014

Another week, another warp. The inner childhood inspiration was seeping through this week. Warp inspired by Dennis the Menace himself. As my cloth was being woven at the mill, my plan for the next few weeks was to concentrate on weaving bigger samples of some ideas I hadn’t pushed. It was challenging to be weaving samples of 90cm+

This weeks see’s the The National Eisteddfod of Wales being held at Llanelli. A truly unique cultural festival that brings together music, literature, dance, theatre and visual art. it's a strong reminder that what we have to offer in Wales is up there with the best! “Y Lle Celf” meaning The Art Place is the visual arts gallery at the Eisteddfod. “Whilst encouraging appreciation, understanding and promoting the collection of artwork, in celebrating excellence, innovation and commitment, the exhibition at Y Lle Celf reflects what is taking place at a given time within the Visual Arts in Wales.”

WEEK 25 | 28th July 2014

WEEK 24 | 21st July 2014

Since sharing a few images of my work on Instagram, it’s been great to read comments and hear what people think about the images I’m uploading.

Some might call me lightning hands!

All I wanted to do this week was weave and get making again! I was doing a lot of so called 'paper work' last week (sorting out a load of mess!) I soon realised, whilst 'sorting out', that making, and doing is what I love! So after a few hours of planning a warp, looking at different colours and different drafts, I got making! Warp winding :

One aspect I wanted to explore through weaving was, creating blocks of colour. I'm still looking at the signalling flags, and I'm still finding my self being attracted to graphics shapes and strong colour clashes! My mission, on this warp was to weave big blocks of colour. I decided that I would work with the weave structure of Sateen and Satin, seeing if I could use the warp and weft to it's full advantage.

I've been using Instagram for a few months now, not as a social media tool, but using the photo filters to edit images I've taken with my iphone. I soon realised that opening up my Instagram account opened up a whole new world, and what an exciting world it is. Come join in @lliojames​ 

I'd like to share my new business card. I got a few produced for the New Designers Show and wanted to use the show to hear feedback. I'm so happy with the logo, but the card needs a few tweaks. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Let's say it's work in progress at the moment...

I'm back in Bath after a very exhilarating week showing at New Designers. Based at the Business Design Centre, Islington, the exhibition is set up to showcase recent graduates. 

As I am nearing the end of my masters I was showing work in progress, a range of my hand-woven samples, as well as paper designs. Bath Spa University had three separate stands, BA Textiles, IMO, and MA Design: Fashion & Textiles together with MA Design: Ceramics. The collaboration with both MA programmes worked well, showcasing a wide variety of work.

Setting up of the stand :

Finished stand:

Hand-woven samples :

As I was showing work in progress, I must admit that I was slightly anxious about showing my work. I am clear in my mind about what kind of product I will have in a few months, but showcasing your work half way through is a challenge. I soon realised that as I explained that I was currently manufacturing the samples, then people were excited to see my product in a few months.

I was preparing for New Designers this week. We were having a mock-up of our stand in the gallery space. As I hadn't previously shown at an event like this, it was a great idea to have a mock-up. MA Design: Fashion & Textiles were showing with MA: Ceramics so it's important that we get the balance right to display such varied pieces.

I was excited to see what the fashion students had been up to at Bath Spa University, as one of he students had won the overall George Gold Award at Graduate Fashion week recently. I went along to the Fashion Show that was being held at the Assembly Rooms, Bath. I was amazed by the level of work that each piece was given, and the hours that each student must have put in was visible.

I had slowly been gathering ideas about my logo and branding over that last few weeks. I was working with a friend who works as a graphic designer on this project. I had been e-mailing her ideas and companies that I admire and slowly we both got a clear idea of what I'm about and how I can convey that in my branding. Below is an image to show that the best ideas happen when you have a piece of paper and a long train journey!