We talk to Miriam George about life on BA Interior and Spatial Design at Chelsea, including her most recent project designing wallpaper for Chelsea College of Arts’ Guest House (accommodation where visiting practitioners can stay during their time at the college).
What is the current project you are working on?
The project is a Wallpaper design for the Chelsea Guest House inspired by William Morris and the history of Chelsea College of Art.
What gave you the idea for this project?
After visiting the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow, I got introduced to techniques of pattern designing using plants and nature. I analyzed his huge collection of wallpapers and prints and I noticed how he uses basic shapes and forms of plants to create fascinating intertwining patterns.
What has been your greatest challenge with the project so far?
The most challenging part of this project was learning how to use Illustrator program ‘Pattern’ option to transform my design sketch into an actual digital pattern. Kaye Pryce (Specialist Technician Digital Media) helped us and showed us how to use it, then it took me hours of trial and error until I managed to perfect it the way I wanted.
Please tell us more about your work generally.
For my design, I walked around Lloyd Park where William Morris used to live and get inspiration, and I studied the nature and plants I found around the area. I then followed the artists’ technique of focusing on specific elements of the plants, simplifying them and connecting them together to create an ongoing pattern.
What do you see yourself doing after you graduate, what are your career ambitions?
I want to do a lot of things! I am not exactly sure what I see myself doing, but definitely designing and creating.
What other projects and practice have you been involved in during your time at Chelsea?
I am interning with a fabrics and wallpaper shop called Jamspace, one of the projects we are working on is designing a booth for TENT London in September. I took a Fashion Film course at London College of Fashion in February, and we did a Tate Exchange project at the Tate Modern.
What have you enjoyed most about studying at Chelsea?
I really enjoy how inspiring Chelsea is, from the work of students and teachers to the building itself, there is always something inspiring at uni that opens my mind in new ways.
What would you say to someone who is thinking about doing your course? Any advice?
I would say go for it big and bold! Don’t be afraid to try new things and go outside your comfort zone, that is usually what works out best in the end.
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