LORNA POLLOCK works in graphic textile design breaking the boundaries of stereotypical use. She employs everyday materials to inhabit space in a way that draws the viewer in to be left wanting. Pollock is going on to further her work with Glasgow School of Art's textiles department.
Coming from working within Tramway, how has the cultural history of the building and its place in Glasgow's arts community influenced you/your work?
Studying within Tramway was a constant source of inspiration. It taught me to appreciate and see the potential in my working environment. From the exposed peeling brick walls to the tram lines still engrained in the floors it was impossible not to incorporate these features into my work. The exhibited work at Tramway was a physical reminder of what I wanted to achieve and pushed me to work harder. The individuality of the work gave me the confidence to pursue my ideas with a sense of excitement over fear. To remain curious.
How do you feel working on an exhibition with your peers from VAS that come from a range of design and fine art backgrounds and what impact does it have on your work?
It's very exciting. From sharing a studio space together I think we were all naturally inspired by each other's work and were always keen to see what everyone was going to do next. Working in the same space as fine art students, especially those interested in sculpture, influenced me to stop restricting my ideas to two dimensions and to carry out work in the outdoor environment.
Would it be accurate to say that the viewer will experience some evidence of this for ‘Paradise’? Tell me more about how you push the boundaries of conventional design.
I would like to continue the style of work which I developed at VAS, so the environmental influence will definitely be there. However for 'Paradise' I would like to focus on a more traditional use of print. I'm often influenced my artists which practice a different specialism to myself and so the early stages of my work are always very varied. During development I think it is important to explore all lights of an idea and to not discard a possible idea because it is not traditional to my specialism. I think this method of development aids me to producing original work.
What brought you in your interests and influences to choose textile design as a specialism? Are there any obstacles you have faced from this medium?
Although I love to explore the workings of varied specialisms I find my talent lies in print. It has taken me a few years (and a few courses) to confidently decide what I want to pursue. I think it was simply through trial and error that I came to my decision to study Textile Design. I think my biggest obstacle is knowing when to choose a final design. Initially I often struggle to fling myself into a new project. However when I become engrossed in the new work I'm doing I find it difficult to decide on a final outcome because I don't want the project to end.
Do you think that a project has to end? Or that it can continue on and develop, being continually renewed or can it remain the same?
I do find comfort in knowing that I am able to return to a project if I wish. However I think it is important to try new things and develop as an artist and I think moving on from project to project changing subject matter, materials etc is vital to this.
Thinking about how you hope you will grow as a designer and as an individual, what are your plans for the future? Can you share what you may have already outlined?
Over this summer working on Paradise has really helped me work independently away from a studio space and I'd like to continue practicing individual work outside of education. For example I'd like to explore selling my work online via Etsy, Art Rookie etc. However I'm really looking forward to beginning my studies at GSA in September. My time there will definitely influence and improve my work as a designer. I currently see myself specializing in Print in the future but I'm open to that changing, I'll need to see where class projects and opportunities take me.
Learn more about Lorna Pollock by following the link to her page and visiting her social media outlets. You can also continue to keep up to date with the exhibition by following our instagram @paradise_exhibition and the blog
Article by Emma Hislop
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