Ailsa Howlett Cary
Textiles
I am a textile designer, specialising in screen print for residential interiors. I love to base my imagery around nature and my surroundings, and my pieces are illustrative and painterly in style.
Final year project
In Memory
'Midsummer Wandering'
'Midsummer Wandering' is a statement repeat, made up of a compilation of ink illustrations of my friends and family enjoying the Norfolk beaches on warm sunny days. This candid piece aims to show appreciation for what and who we have around us, and encourages taking a moment to pause and reflect and enjoy the little things.
'Coastal Garden' in two colour ways
'Coastal Garden' was developed from gouache paintings of the grasses and flowers found surrounding the North Norfolk Beaches. Shown here in two colourways, one screen printed on a linen mix (left) and one digitally printed on sheer linen (right). The piece is designed for curtains, on multiple weights of linens that each allows varying degrees of light to filter through, complimenting the calming colours and motifs.
Marram Grass
An A2 Gouache painting that became the imagery for 'Coastal Garden'. Aiming to replicate the soft grasses in the dunes and the way in which they whisper in the sea breeze. The painting was built up over several days, to create depth and dimension which would then transfer to print.
'On the Morning Tide'
A one-layer screen-printed repeat design, printed with pigment on donated linen fabrics. 'On the Morning Tide' is inspired by sailboats coming in from a morning sail, developed from a series of expressive charcoal drawings. The drawings aimed to capture the playful nature of the wind and the sea on a breezy spring morning, and the joy that people local to the North Norfolk coast often take in sailing and being out on the water.
'On the Morning Tide'
A hand-painted visualisation to showcase both colourways of 'On the Morning Tide', for upholstery. An Armchair and a footstool/coffee table to fill a quiet reading corner. The spaces in the collection are designed to be quiet and peaceful, and provide a source of escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
'Forget-Me-Not'
A repeat coordinate, inspired by forget-me-not flowers, and their recognisable blue colour. The print is taken directly from paintings, to keep those expressive brush strokes strong and portray a handmade, handcrafted feel.
A selection of final samples and colourways. From left to right: 'Coastal Garden', 'Forget-Me-Not', 'Coastal Garden' (colourway), 'Midsummer Wandering', and the 'Milly' check.
Ailsa Howlett Cary
Final year project
In Memory
Awards
First place in Milliken Live Project Competition (2021)
Foundation Diploma Art and Design (2019)
Work Experience
I spent June of 2021 interning remotely for Jess Weeks Interiors, where I enjoyed having an insight into the world of residential interiors. I was able to build on my existing fabric knowledge, helping with sourcing fabrics for clients and working on visualisations for their projects.
I was commissioned by Creations Official, where I worked alongside Holly Fielder (ThreeTwinPalms) to create a t-shirt design for their Summer 2021 collection. It was a hugely rewarding experience and one that challenged my design skills and artwork style.
I enjoyed work experience for Sue Whimster Curtains during my holidays in 2019, where I learnt about the print, pattern, and making, as well as assisting in the office and on-site visits.