Final year project
Farming at Bliss Hall [Read more]
'Farming at Bliss Hall' home degree show
This is a photograph of the final 'Farming at Bliss Hall' print collection on display in my home. The purpose of this display was to physically view how the printed fabrics work together and how the colour palette runs through the designs. I felt it was important to fully see the end result of what I had been working towards for the last 5 months.
Final line-up
This is the final line-up of hand drawn visualisations to show how I envisioned my print designs to look as garments. The main fashion inspiration was the Fall 2014 Burberry Collection, where layers of draped fabrics were held together with a belt to give a modern but sophisticated shape.
Tyre tracks on wood
This series of large scale paintings on reclaimed elm boards from Bliss Hall Farm were inspired from Alexander McQueen's 1995 Spring/Summer Collection, where he rolled painted tyres over his white trouser suit to give interesting patterns and textures. These paintings have been created using different sized tyres with unique patterns to portray the continuous work as a farmer.
Rotation
This is a photograph of the Rotation prints styled on a mannequin to show how I envisioned the prints to look as a garment. I chose to secure the fabric with a rustic belt in reference to the history behind this project.
Imprinting the land screen print
These photographs show the 2 meter, 5-layer screen print on habotai silk styled onto a mannequin to recreate my visualisation. The screen printing process involved putting my original painting in repeat by hand, coda tracing, exposing 5 screens, mixing and colour testing print paste and assisting peers in their printing. I also printed this design onto a cotton-netting which gave an intricate surface quality.
Derelict barn and view from above
This is a close up photograph of the prints Derelict Barn and View from Above, showing the detailed stitch work I added to the fabric to replicate the textures of the barn.
Harvesting the crops and sheathes prints
This photograph shows some of the prints inspired from the harvesting of crops in the old photographs at Bliss Hall Farm and observations of the straw and bracken on my local hill. I experimented with different line thicknesses to imitate the textures and patterns.
Sheathes
This is a close up of the Sheathes prints styled on a mannequin to look like my hand drawn visualisation. The layering of these fabrics highlights the contrast in scale of the prints.
Jessica Benjamin
'Farming at Bliss Hall' explores my family history in farming which inspired colourful, contemporary prints portraying the energy and liveliness of a farming lifestyle.
This collection consists of 8 statement prints and 7 coordinate prints inspired from different aspects of the Bliss Hall Farm. The main fashion inspiration for this project was the Fall 2014 Burberry Collection, where layers of draped fabrics were held together with a belt to create sophisticated but contemporary garments. Therefore, I printed my designs onto luxury fabrics that glamorous women could wear, bringing the exciting pattern and beauty of the country life into the city. The main skills this collection shows are drawing, painting, digital manipulation, screen printing, free machine embroidery and applique. This project has taught me how important it is to select a theme with a strong story to explore in depth because it inspires more unique and interesting prints. Therefore, I aim keen to find a career with a fashion company who delve deep into the subjects of their inspiration to create meaningful designs.
Dissertation
The future of natural dyeing
Final year project
Farming at Bliss Hall
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
Experience
During my year in industry, I interned at 6 companies all over the country and the world which developed my skills not only as a print designer, but in knitting and dyeing yarn, millinery, sales, social media, etc. It also proved my confidence in adapting to new roles and becoming part of a new team in short periods of time. Alongside my degree, I designed and constructed my cousin's wedding dress, showing my skills as a garment maker. It was an accomplishment to achieve quality outcomes in both university and personal projects.
Placements
August 2019 - September 2019
Print Design Intern, Karolina York, Sydney
January 2019 - March 2019
Print Design Intern, Amanda Kelly, London
June 2019 - July 2019
Junior Assistant, Alison Tod Couture Milliner, Abergavenny