Delaunay’s work, although quite far in style from my own
textile designs, has had a huge influence on my research for this project. I find her use of hand-drawn geometric shapes
in bold colours very inspiring. The simplicity of her patterns has taught me a
lot about pattern construction and repeat, while her use of shape, size and
colour in these designs is beautifully eye-catching, and made me think
carefully about colour and composition in my work.
Many of her designs were transformed into fashion designs
and prints for scarves; she also produced many fashion illustrations for the
design of these garments. It is her versatility as an artist that appeals to me
– she had an eye for pattern in everything she made. I also particularly like her later designs
which are tighter and of a more graphic quality, often inspired by the natural
world or by childhood objects.
