Pattern Design
In my current practice, I’m constantly working with and designing patterns either for print or the screen. In order to visualize my artwork on a larger scale, I am combining my interest in 3D modeling to showcase my work in interior spaces. On this page, I share my design process from early sketches to experimentation and final renders.
All models are from Blenderkit creators unless otherwise stated.
All models are from Blenderkit creators unless otherwise stated.
Illustrations as Pattern
Commemorative Cloth
Inspiration and process
This piece was inspired by my grandmother’s dress which was passed down to my mother. The pattern is leteisi (shweshwe or German print), an indigo dye fabric that is traditional dress for the Tswana tribe. My grandmother proudly wore dresses and aprons in this print and I recreated this pattern for her commemorative cloth.
Hand-painted panel for ngano quilt
This quilt is an exploration in oral storytelling practiced in Shona culture. I wanted to create a story quilt channeling a traditional Shona folktale for my niece and nephew, who live in the UK. I was driven by the fact that they do not speak Shona, the language of their father - my cousin. Since my thesis is about endangered indigenous African languages and traditions, this quilt will serve as a way to preserve the Shona tradition from dying out on that side of my family. African folktales are often cautionary ones that end in a lesson or moral for the listeners (typically children) to absorb. Traditionally, Shona folktales (ngano), are told after dinner, accompanied by mbira (thumb piano) music. Most ngano revolve around animals, particularly the hare and baboon, who represent mischief and gullibility respectively.
Inspiration and process
The pattern on the front side is inspired by the shared geometric pattern found in Shona headrests and Zulu traditional attire. This marries the respective cultures of their Shona and Zulu parents. The back pattern is drawings of Shona artifacts. For the central story, I did woodblock printing onto cotton.
I was mentored by Eliza Squibb, a textile artist and designer whose work uses textile design to address issues in global health equity. Through our discussions, she inspired me to make a two sided story quilt, with the visual narrative in the center surrounded by a repeat pattern. Through my research, I drew inspiration from Shona headrests, Zimbabwean kudhinda fabrics and Zulu beadwork. I want my niece and nephew to be physically wrapped in their heritage.
I was mentored by Eliza Squibb, a textile artist and designer whose work uses textile design to address issues in global health equity. Through our discussions, she inspired me to make a two sided story quilt, with the visual narrative in the center surrounded by a repeat pattern. Through my research, I drew inspiration from Shona headrests, Zimbabwean kudhinda fabrics and Zulu beadwork. I want my niece and nephew to be physically wrapped in their heritage.
