Have you ever looked back at your life and realized that there were pointers or 'signs' all along to bring you to where you are today or to indicate what you were meant to do in life? Sometimes, you only got half of it, other times, you blinked and the opportunity was lost and yet somehow, you found your way to that 'a-ha moment'.
I remember the first time that I thought about textile design was when I was about 13 or 14 years old. I was making myself a dress out of really bright floral fabric. I distinctly remember suddenly thinking that somewhere someone has this amazing job of designing all these fabrics which, I loved to sew with. I brushed the idea off as I did not think that I was talented enough or that I could make a living from it.
I was brought up with the sense that you had to get a 'real job' and that art, design and sewing was great as a hobby but, not a wise career move. This is no criticism of my parents who have always been supportive, despite my strong-willed stubbornness. Anyway, I didn't give it much further thought, but along the way, on top of my love of sewing and making clothes that nobody else would have, I also discovered a love of fabric painting. I remember painting 70's designs on fabrics which, I then used to make my own clothes for uni. Yes, I loved the 70's and still do.
What did I study? Nothing relating to art and design in any way shape or form. I picked a 'career' in stead. As this blog is about fulfilling my dreams to be a textile designer, I will not mention my 'day job' here. Somehow, whilst at uni though, I remember spending hours on my bedroom floor, painting canvasses, missing the odd boring class (man, how did I not catch on?!) and eventually designing and painting T-shirts. This ended up a great move because, students started to stop me on campus and placed orders with me, word of mouth spread and it quickly became a great way to help to pay for my studies. Still, did not catch on.
These had been some of the pointers in my life that upon reflection, should have pointed me in this direction sooner. However, I do believe that there is a time and a purpose for everything. I had to do the degree that I did as it opened doors for me to come to the UK and ultimately, to meet my soulmate (although we did not meet in the UK, but that's another story). A lot has happened since I left uni but, now I finally feel in a place where I can move on and pursue my dreams.
I don't have that dress anymore that I made all those years ago, but on a recent visit to South-Africa, I went through some boxes full of my belongings and found my old Home Economics book. Inside, I made a collage of different textiles in the form of a girl holding a rose, the bright, floral fabric that first inspired me, was made into her dress. I have picked the name 'Rosy Lady' a few months before this, but I somehow can't help but think, there it was all along...a 'Rosy Lady'. I had to bring the page with me and in my studio, it is now a constant reminder.
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