Sophie Laird
Textiles BA Hons
Arts University Bournemouth
Specialisms: Textiles - Print / Textiles for Interiors / Illustration
Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom
Sophie Laird
First Name: Sophie
Last Name: Laird
Specialisms: Textiles - Print / Textiles for Interiors / Illustration
Sectors:
My Location: Bournemouth, United Kingdom
University / College: Arts University Bournemouth
Course / Program Title: Textiles BA Hons
About
Sophie Laird is a third-year Textiles student at Arts University Bournemouth, specialising in hand and digital print. She creates illustrative designs through her stylised drawings and paintings, and highlights textural qualities that are created through hand processes. She designs for interior spaces, where her samples can be applied to soft and hard surfaces to bring an element of energy and story telling into a domestic or commercial space.
'Eclectic Dwellings' explores eclectic historic houses, curated interiors and garden spaces as sites of identity, self-expression and storytelling. Inspired by collected interior objects and architectural details found in spaces such as Russell-Cotes Museum and Charleston House, the collection celebrates the abundance of objects, layered and evolving, often curated over many years and lifetimes. Working across wallpapers, fabrics and tiles, hand screen printing and digital processes are central to the development of the final samples, designed for boutique hospitality spaces and luxury shepherd’s huts. Illustrative processes are core to creating the initial imagery. Exploration of alternative printmaking techniques such as etching into recycled Tetra Pak packaging enhances the textural qualities of the illustrations and complements the aged nature of the antique objects. Screen printed samples utilise overprinting, limited colour palettes and metallic binders to create depth and richness. Repeat patterns often contain hidden illustrative elements discovered within the houses and gardens, including statues, peacocks and balustrades, encouraging closer observation and creating a layered sense of storytelling within the designs. Illustrative motifs are balanced with geometric designs to demonstrate the contrast of structure and fluidity found in these spaces. The collection brings energy, individuality and storytelling into interiors, creating textiles that encourage emotional connection to curated eclectic spaces, while rejecting minimalism and celebrating beauty and visual pleasure.
Competitions
