My sources of inspiration as a surface pattern designer

My designs are heavily inspired by the Arts and Crafts and Art Nouveau movements.

Arts and Crafts, because of how much it was influenced by nature. Art Nouveau, because of its dramatic, curvy lines with rich, organic details. You probably notice the influence of nature and organic, flowing lines in my work.

I first studied these movements when I was completing my DipGD (Diploma of Graphic Design). The Art Nouveau movement is rooted in, and directly follows, the Arts and Crafts Movement.

I found this book on William Morris at the NGA (National Gallery of Australia, in Canberra). He is known as the father of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Morris used the wood block printing technique to create his textile designs, and I admire how he insisted on a ‘from scratch’ understanding of the process to establish his ethos.

For me, working with natural, flowing lines feels free and natural, and allows me to disappear into the process of creating the designs. It’s relaxing, and so the finished work always has a sense of elevated calm.

There is a famous quote by Morris, which I think you will enjoy: "Have nothing in your house you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”