Before arriving at the Textile Centre in Blonduos, Iceland my thoughts about the Residency were that it would be an exciting challenge, one I hoped would take me in a new direction for my work. Up until now my work has been mostly concept led so the idea of working from nature would be a new and thrilling adventure. I hoped to be inspired by the incredible landscape of Iceland, be totally absorbed in the surroundings and also to learn more about the Icelandic culture.
So far, I have been overwhelmingly inspired and we have only just started exploring. The landscape is spectacular, like nothing I have seen before. The glacial valleys are full of winding rivers and trickling waterfalls running down the most colossal snow topped mountains. The feeling of space, fresh pure air and only the sounds of birds is a delight.
Now settled in to the Centre I have started to work on some ideas, inspired by the breath-taking basalt column cove at Kálfshamarsvík on the north west coast of Skagi Peninsula.
These unusual rock formations formed over 2 million years ago fascinated me. The angles, the shapes, the layering effect and the cold grey colours highlighted by areas of lime green lichen sparked my creativity. I immediately started to draw, getting a feel for the structures.
My drawings developed from shapes and patterns and I began to formulate design ideas in textile forms, thinking about the resources of materials available and the colours of the land.
Next I will start to play around with textures and explore the abundance of sheep wool we have.
See my next post for what happens next.
Tara Kennedy
