The Cool Hour Photography: Rachel Dray, Fashion: Tanya Levak, Model: Talia @ Chic Management
TP had the pleasure of working with printmaker Vivien Haley to bring to life her extensive and intricate art practice from the 80s and 90s.
Studying sculpture and printmaking at the National Art School in Sydney during the 70s, Vivien’s prints and timber sculptures were informed by nature and landscape. After graduating she exhibited with the Sculpture Society at The Rocks and it was here that she discovered a small Japanese gallery that sold woodblock prints and textiles.
Taken by the Japanese aesthetic and interpretation of nature in textiles, Vivien quickly embraced a more utilitarian form of art and design. Carving woodblocks into motifs and creating marks that reflect nature, she employed a variety of techniques. Block printing and a particular way of dyeing became a distinctive element of her silk scarves and cloths. The layers of textures, prints and subtle colours, captured the essence of the natural world.
On her experience working with TP:
“Excited by the prospect of re-establishing her distinctive textiles, Vivien had been considering the use of digital printing for some years. With the knowledge that her printmaking techniques could now be reproduced in both quantity and a bespoke manner, she approached Think Positive, where Emilie Cacace’s expertise facilitates Vivien’s distinctive visual language and textile design practice. The technology has allowed Vivien’s work to be realised in unexpected ways. The macro scale of the block prints makes for striking contemporary compositions. Colour, textures and layers that are rendered by hand can be revived without compromise. Sgraffito and brush marks are accentuated and lose little definition. With the shift in scale and complexity, the result is a striking and elegant range.”
Below is a selection of photos from this gorgeous editorial by The Cool Hour. View the full story here: thecoolhour.com/2015/01/silk-scarves-vivien-haley
