Glasgow School of Art
Specialisms: Textiles - Print
Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
First Name: Maia
Last Name: McLaren
Specialisms: Textiles - Print
Sectors:
My Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom
University / College: Glasgow School of Art
Course / Program Title: Fashion & Textile Design BA Hons
I am aTextile Design graduate from Glasgow School of Art studying. I spent six months studying in Tokyo during my third year, an experience that significantly strengthened my confidence, independence, and creative approach. I’m a motivated and personable individual who thrives in collaborative environments and is always eager to learn and develop new skills. With a strong passion for colour and pattern, I contribute fresh ideas while actively listening to and learning from others, making me a reliable and enthusiastic team player. I work well under pressure and show confidence in everything I do. I love making the people around me smile and will always work as hard as I can.
My project Harajuku, named after the bright city in Tokyo, explores the relationship between floral forms and Japanese pop art, with a particular focus on pattern and colour. Influenced by Japanese artists who use pattern both as a background element and as the primary visual focus within their work inspired my own approach to create bold, decorative designs that balance structured compositions with the organic forms found in my primary research conducted during my exchange in Japan where I documented botanical forms within botanical gardens and natural environments. Through producing my screen-printed samples, using Cotton Satin, I have developed a deeper understanding of colour mixing and how colours interact when layered. This has created a joyful and vibrant colour palette within my designs. My four collections each investigate distinct floral motifs and curated colour narratives. Collectively, the work reflects an ongoing exploration of the balance between organic form and graphic structure.