Final year project
Japanese Tranquility [Read more]
Tranquil interior space
My project is based on Japanese Tranquilly "a state of peace and quiet," focusing on Japanese styles of painting and classic Japanese landscapes. I am investigating Japanese landscapes, predominantly inspired by my travels to Japan whilst my family were living in Kuala Lumper. The landscapes and native trees captured my imagination in Japan as they are exemplary beautiful Japanese shapes.
Japanese linens
Throughout my collection I have used structured linens, widely used in Japan as dust breakers but they also have a breathable natural-like quality. I planned to print most of my designs by hand before the pandemic, it has been a struggle to work from home. But it has opened my eyes to some of the future possibilities of other ways of working remotely and still being able to create a beautiful collection.
Calm light interiors
I want my audience to feel a sense of peace when looking at my collection. Bringing the tranquillity of a Japanese garden into an interior space with pops of colour and calming tones. This visualisation shows my 'Japanese Alps' design on shoji paper. This is the traditional translucent paper used to cover screens or used as wall dividers within a Japanese room. The paper allows light to pass through giving a room a light and airy feel, but still provides privacy.
Sakura linen
This is a cherry blossom design visualised on thick linen. My trip to Japan was in the Spring time, so there were plenty of Sakura trees in full bloom. I wanted my project to feel organic, calm and free by using large expressive brush strokes, taking inspiration from traditional Japanese paintings.
Japanese calligraphy and mark-making
I am aiming for a loose quality of line, creating images from expressive brush strokes. The Japanese have developed a style which looks effortless, achieving beautiful lines in just one or two brush stroke motions, using Shodo brushes, the Japanese traditional calligraphy tool. I have experimented with line quality achieving a beautiful flowing ink trail that varies in depth and thickness.
Traditional Japanese visualisation
I have visualised all my designs within modern Japanese homes, all displaying traditional shoji screens and Japanese home ware. I also wanted to display my designs close to an outside garden, as that is where the main inspiration lies. Bringing the garden inside through print and organic translucent fabrics, playing with light and shadow.
Large Bonsai length
This is an image of my large Bonsai length. This is one of two colour ways I was able to print whilst the print room was still open! This is a 4 meter, hand printed, two layered pigment paste design. I enjoyed creating this piece and I hope to do more hand printing in the future.
Tranquil modern space
This room is a modern space but also incorporates Japanese traditional screens and wall hangings. Noren wall hangings are very popular in Japan traditionally used to keep the light and dust out. But now more commonly used as a decoration or welcome sign over shop entrances.
Olivia McKay
Asian inspired spiritual calmness
My work explores the tranquil scenery of Japan and its beautiful celebrated quintessential nature. I am inspired by Asian cultures as they are such a world away from our own western life style. I love to paint and draw as my way of escaping and documenting my travels. I hope to work for design studios all round the world to continue my interest in other cultures and experiences.
Final year project
Japanese Tranquility
Awards
'20 Diploma in Professional Studies
Experience
I loved my work experience spending time in other places away from Hertfordshire. I felt I was able to apply my skills within a professional design work place. I met so many lovely people and learnt many skills that I will take forward in my career. It was a great way to network and get a taste of other cultures, Australian, Scandinavian and English global markets.
Placements
September 2018 - December 2018
Print Intern, Karolina York
March 2019 - April 2019
Print Intern, Owens & Kim
July 2019 - September 2019
Design Intern, Fusion CPH