Kate Webster
MA work
MA work
Material Environments
Material Environments
I am interested in the sense of presence of space; that is a space where you feel a presence, almost an entity – that physical feeling and power space can give – James Turrell
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My work is concerned with environments. I alter energy through combining beautiful materials in a harmonious way to create the right balance of colour, tone, surface quality and form in my pieces.
I am working on a series of textile structures for interior and exterior spaces. My sculptural materials interact with their surroundings – they are modular elements that make up a larger, adaptable structure. Mechanisms have been developed to move areas of the textiles independently with a human-like motion.
I use industrial machines to knit pleats with clear monofilament and then I gradient dye these and insert rubber loops that wobble as the pleats move. I have also explored new ways of using digital knitting machines. My grid patterns are programmed uniquely to create knitted structures with open channels through them, into which wires and more rigid elements are inserted. This alters the material behaviour leaving some areas soft and others solid, resulting in flexible 3D structures.
The colours I have selected are inspired by contemporary luxury interiors – light gold, soft peach, acidic yellow, electric blue and clear plastics that play with their neighbouring colours by both absorbing and reflecting them. By overlapping my translucent materials an intriguing sense of depth is obtained, curiosity invites the viewer inside the piece. As the pleats are stretched they reveal more information about the materials, colour and pattern from within the layers. This movement draws attention to the nuances and changing hues within the materials as the light dances across the ridged surfaces – reflecting and bouncing off the acrylic and being absorbed into the monofilament yarn.
Our surroundings can have a significant impact on our emotions, however the connection between environment and wellbeing is often overlooked. My aim is to create sensory sculptures, which delight through use of colour, materials and form. I want my work to evoke a feeling of empowerment by injecting an energising presence into a given space.
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Info
Info
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MA Degree
School
School of Design
Programme
MA Textiles, 2017
Specialism
knit
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Contact
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+44 (0)7708 584404
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I am interested in the sense of presence of space; that is a space where you feel a presence, almost an entity – that physical feeling and power space can give – James TurrellÂ
My work is concerned with environments. I alter energy through combining beautiful materials in a harmonious way to create the right balance of colour, tone, surface quality and form in my pieces.
I am working on a series of textile structures for interior and exterior spaces. My sculptural materials interact with their surroundings – they are modular elements that make up a larger, adaptable structure. Mechanisms have been developed to move areas of the textiles independently with a human-like motion.
I use industrial machines to knit pleats with clear monofilament and then I gradient dye these and insert rubber loops that wobble as the pleats move. I have also explored new ways of using digital knitting machines. My grid patterns are programmed uniquely to create knitted structures with open channels through them, into which wires and more rigid elements are inserted. This alters the material behaviour leaving some areas soft and others solid, resulting in flexible 3D structures.
The colours I have selected are inspired by contemporary luxury interiors – light gold, soft peach, acidic yellow, electric blue and clear plastics that play with their neighbouring colours by both absorbing and reflecting them. By overlapping my translucent materials an intriguing sense of depth is obtained, curiosity invites the viewer inside the piece. As the pleats are stretched they reveal more information about the materials, colour and pattern from within the layers. This movement draws attention to the nuances and changing hues within the materials as the light dances across the ridged surfaces – reflecting and bouncing off the acrylic and being absorbed into the monofilament yarn.
Our surroundings can have a significant impact on our emotions, however the connection between environment and wellbeing is often overlooked. My aim is to create sensory sculptures, which delight through use of colour, materials and form. I want my work to evoke a feeling of empowerment by injecting an energising presence into a given space.
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Degrees
- BA (Hons) First Class Textile Design, Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design University of Dundee, 2011; Erasmus programme, Fashion Design, Politecnico di Milano, 2010
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Experience
- Freelance textile designer, CODE Studios, London, 2015 – 2017; Menswear designer, Guide London, London, 2013 – 2015; Assistant ,anager, Trilogy, London, 2012 – 2013; Visiting tutor: Textile Design , University of Dundee, Dundee, 2012; Trend analyst: Materials, WGSN, London, 2012; Gallery supervisor, Panik Gallery, Glasgow, 2008 – 2010
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Exhibitions
- Driverless Futures, London Transport Museum, London, 2017; ‘I was a Sari’, Ministry of New, Mumbai, 2017; Tunnel Vision, Innotrans, Berlin, 2016; WGSN S/S 2015, SPINEXPO, Shanghai, 2011; New Designers, Business Design Centre, London, 2011; Homes & Interiors Scotland, SECC, Glasgow, 2011
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Awards
- Bloomberg Design Hackathon, Runner Up Team with sponsorship, 2017; Hitachi Rail Tube Design for 2025, Winning Team with sponsorship, 2016; Society of Dyers and Colourists, Winner with sponsorship, 2016; Textile Society, Lucienne Day Award, Winner with sponsorship, 2011; Texprint, Shortlisted Candidate, 2011; Bradford Textile Design Society Competition, Nominee, 2010; British Council, Travel Bursary, 2009
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Publications
- WGSN, Material Trend Report, 2016; Textile VIEW, A/W Trend Report, 2012; Textile Society, Textile Update Report, 2012; WGSN, Top 10 Graduate Textile Designers, 2011