All the backing cloths start their life as a plain calico fabric covering the print table. But as soon as we get out the screens and pigments they are magically transformed...
After screen printing repeatedly across the print table, random prints in all kinds of colours and patterns start to emerge as they spill over onto the cloth. This process creates palettes and compositions that I would never have been able to come up with intentionally...
Just a few of the amazing backing cloths that have developed over the years
Over time, the backing cloth becomes a gigantic textile in its own right. When it starts to look like a riot of colour and pattern like this, it's ready to go!
I scan over the cloth and individually select the best placements to show off the serendipitous nature of the prints. I then cut them out and turn them into their own art pieces. Over the years they have been used as artworks, pouches, notebooks and covers, and have inspired some of my best-selling designs like Serendipity and Myriad. The fact that are not 'designed' and have a life of their own makes them my favourite pieces that we sell.
Clockwise: Large Backing Cloth Artwork, Serendipity Bespoke Mural in Rainbow, Serendipity Velvet in Rainbow, Backing Cloth Notebook Cover, Backing Cloth Pouch, Serendipity Packable Bag
