Arts Thread

Paula Molina
MA Biodesign

Central Saint Martins UAL

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Design Research / Textile Innovation/Textile Art

My location: London, United Kingdom

paula-molina ArtsThread Profile
Central Saint Martins UAL

Paula Molina

paula-molina ArtsThread Profile

First Name: Paula

Last Name: Molina

University / College: Central Saint Martins UAL

Course / Program: MA Biodesign

Graduates: 2023

Specialisms: Sustainable Fashion/Textiles / Design Research / Textile Innovation/Textile Art

My Location: London, United Kingdom

Website: Click To See Website

About

Paula Molina is an insightful Colombian designer specializing at the intersection of textile/surface design and science. with a profound fascination for the botanical world, paula works towards the integration of plants and textiles, expanding the boundaries of traditional printing techniques. Her innovative project, Rootknit, was recognized as a finalist in the biodesign challenge of 2017. Paula is currently actively engaged in co-creating with moss, integrating their natural textures into different surfaces by adapting traditional screen-printing techniques. 

Screen printing is one of the most popular contemporary printing methods, is highly versatile, and has a lot of experimentation possibilities. Unfortunately, the process is very water demanding and produces a lot of waste. Flocking is one of the techniques used in screen printing where small fibres (usually synthetic) are applied to create a soft, velvet-like texture on the printed surface. Following a phytocentric approach, this "Printing Herbarium" challenges traditional methods of adding textures and embellishments to surfaces. It explores new ways of printing through the incorporation of living organisms, specifically moss. This research project aims to co-create a collection of living textures that embraces nature's rhythms and processes and combines these with traditional printing techniques. Additionally, it hacks conventional tools to create an ideal environment for the samples to grow, allowing for the exploration of new creative possibilities for living materials.