Project 2
Stage one- Research six artists or designers
Ptolemy
Mann
 |
| Ptolemy Mann www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.uk |
I first came across the work of Ptolemy Mann at the Harley
Gallery in 2012. At the time my reaction
was that her work “was too industrial”.
Since then I’ve learned so much about different techniques, applications
and colour. In my defence I would say
that I saw her work hot on the heels of Lois Walpole and the two are at the
opposite ends of a spectrum. I
appreciate Mann’s work much more than I did when I first saw it. She’s very daring.
This is from her website – http://www.ptolemymann.com/.
Ptolemy Mann has been creating colourful work from her studio since 1997. Architectural, geometric and sophisticated wall based art for public and private clients using her signature hand dyed and woven techniques and more recently commercially produced furnishing fabrics, rugs, cushions, bed linen and throws. She also works as an architectural colour consultant, journalist and lecturer. Her unique approach to hand dyeing and weaving in a dynamic modern context brings her craft into the 21st century. A modern day Bauhaus philosophy of product and art making combined with intelligent colour theory underpins all of her work both creative and commercial.
Kyra Cane (2012) calls Mann’s work “ravishing” and says the “term
is not to be used lightly –
it implies that one’s senses have been possessed
to the exclusion of all else; it suggests being bewitched; it indicates depth
of feeling and extraordinary beauty; and it aptly describes the work of Ptolemy
Mann.
At first sight (and from a distance) Mann’s work is far from subtle but on
closer inspection it is filled with subtlety and nuance.
 |
| Life Spectrum - Panel 1 2008. Hand dyed and woven textile artwork (Cane, 2012) |
 |
| Detail of the weaving process (Cane, 2012) showing the graduations in colour |
Ptolemy Mann
usually works to commission; she has a
brief to fulfil and cannot simply let her designs flow in a spontaneous way.
Mann uses
the preparation artwork as a way to impart her ideas to clients:
Initially her design work explores the context of the piece.
It must comply with any colour requirements of the client, corporate identity
considerations, and the nature and decor of the site it will occupy. (Cane, 2012)
Mann paints her designs in gouache then using combinations of
scanning and Photoshop produces high quality pieces that are artworks in their
own right.
It is at the drawing stage that colour experimentation takes
place; it’s too late when the weaving is being done. Recently there has been a need for Mann to
produce larger work so she has developed a “panel” approach where she combines
different panels to create the whole.
The dying of the yarns is done using the ikat technique with
the variation of dipping as opposed to the traditional tying of the
thread. It is at this point that the
outcome is determined and accuracy is vital as the client will be anticipating
a work based on the designs he has been shown and approved.
Mann’s use of colour is bold and vibrant but has its basis in
sound theoretical knowledge and experience.
She has recently had commissions in hospitals and has had responsibility
for designing the colour scheme for the glass on the outside of Kings Mill
Hospital in Mansfield.
 |
Kings Mill Hospital (2006 - 2011) showing how the
coloured glass influences the interior
http://www.ptolemymann.com/kings-mill-hopsital.html |
 |
Kings Mill Hospital (2006 - 2011)
http://www.ptolemymann.com/kings-mill-hopsital.html |
I live fairly close to this building and it is so impressive.
It’s a far cry from the forbidding Victorian buildings we used to associate
with hospitals.
I’m pleased I understand Mann’s work better than I did; it’s
highly functional but it’s just another way to present artwork.
Bibliography
http://www.ptolemymann.com/.
www.stroudinternationaltextiles.org.
K, Cane, 2012. Making
and Drawing. London: Bloomsbury.
No comments:
Post a Comment