Leah Martin
Textile Design BA
Heriot Watt University
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Textiles - Weave / Textiles for Interiors / Textiles
My location: Galashiels, United Kingdom
Leah Martin
First Name: Leah
Last Name: Martin
University / College: Heriot Watt University
Course / Program: Textile Design BA
Graduates: 2024
Specialisms: Textiles - Weave / Textiles for Interiors / Textiles
My Location: Galashiels, United Kingdom
About
Ag Trasnú na Teorann – Crossing the Border.My honours collection is a range of throw designs inspired by growing up on the Irish border. I was inspired by the work of Seamus Heaney. From here I was prompted to investigate two themes in my life: home and heritage. I used my own photographs of the life and landscapes of home, exploring the rich heritage of both my Northern Irish maternal family and my Republic of Ireland paternal family to create a large body of sketchbook work. I chose a range of yarns from Donegal Yarns in Kilcar. Two palettes have been used to symbolise the contrast between: a blue-green palette representing the colours people associate with Ireland, and a darker palette featuring reds, purples, and greys symbolising the darker aspects of what life is like near the Irish Border. Wool and linen are the key fibres, they symbolise the two major industries in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
Ag Trasnú na teorann - crossing the border
Ag Trasnú na Teorann is a collection of throw designs inspired by growing up on the Irish border. I was inspired by the work of Seamus Heaney. From here I was prompted to investigate two themes in my life: home and heritage. I used my own photographs of the life and landscapes of home, exploring the rich heritage of both my Northern Irish maternal family and my Republic of Ireland paternal family to create a large body of sketchbook work. I chose a range of Soft Donegal yarns from Donegal Yarns in Kilcar. These yarns are know for their bright hues and traditional neeps. Two palettes have been used to symbolise the contrast between two very different versions of Ireland: a blue-green light palette representing the colours people associate with Ireland, and a darker palette featuring reds, purples, and greys symbolising the darker times and aspects of what life is like near the Irish Border. Wool and linen are the key fibres, they symbolise the two major textile industries in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
