Stitch and Pattern by Jean Draper

Author:Jean Draper
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pavilion Books

LEARNING FROM OTHER CULTURES

As those of us in the West become more accustomed to think of regular patterns reproduced by mechanical means, it is important to recognize how much we can learn from the vitality and sheer joy of intuitive pattern-making as practised by other peoples. Sometimes stitched and woven textiles, such as richly patterned rugs and clothing have generated ideas, but my research is by no means limited to textiles alone. I learn and am stimulated by decoration of all kinds, such as patterned baskets, pottery, jewellery, weapons and much more.

Our personal response and the way that we interpret what we have learned from other cultures is a sensitive issue. As I have mentioned several times, many of the patterns we see in the work of different peoples are specifically meaningful to them, sacred even, and they are rightly very protective of their cultural heritage. It is important therefore that we respect these sensitivities and that we do not misappropriate another culture by attempting to copy it.

If we concentrate on learning from others, some of the ways we can do this are to:

• Analyze the use of colour, perhaps very vibrant, then try in our own work to use colour in ways that perhaps we haven’t previously dared.

• Analyze how sometimes quite complex patterns are made from simple shapes that are used ingeniously by repeating and overlapping and through alteration of scale and spacing.

• Recognize how different weights of line give more power to a design.

• Practice in our own work measurement ‘by eye’ rather than with a ruler, seeing how this can energize work.

• Learn a technique that interests or intrigues us, then develop it for ourselves by trying it out in different ways, with different materials.

• Make subtle and respectful reference to the work that has inspired us, perhaps in the use of certain materials and/or decorative elements.

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