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Alister Shapley is an emerging screen printer who runs a design and screen printing studio based in north London. Originally from Stoke-On-Trent, Alister trained as an architect at Edinburgh College of Art, during which time he found his true passion for design and print. After completing his studies, Alister worked as a designer for a variety of agencies and contractors, before starting his own business ‘asdesign’, producing prints and undertaking private and commercial commissions.

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TWELVE

Twelve is a grid-based pattern inspired by the element of water. In a truly east meets west design. Alister draws a parallel between the indigo-infused water dripping down from the dyed cloth back into the vat as it emerges during production, and the droplets of rain falling to disturb the surface of puddles in the streets of London. Both provide a contemplative rhythm to a way of life. For the indigo Master in China engaging with their artisan craft and for Alistair, the print-artist going about his daily business in London. Like all of Alister’s print works, ‘Twelve’ has its base in mathematical grids, structures and sequences. The title specifically relates to the dimensions of the stencil used to apply the pattern to the fabric. The grid structure contains concentric circles which undulate, land and radiate out like water droplets hitting a surface.

Bluehanded co-ordinates provides a range of prints that can be used on their own, together, or as an accent to our artist designed collections. Curated by John Abbate, Bluehanded’s founder, these prints have been chosen for their versatility and rhythmical simplicity.

Wonky lines follows in the convention of prints symbolising life-giving, but can also be seen as an extension of the idea of the flow of life - rain water dripping down a glass pane, traffic crawling along the streets of London at rush hour, or mammals migrating through the dessert.

Lattice lines is a geometric print that is at once both modern and traditional, eastern and western. The lines weaving together in a lattice format reflects the lattice-work that is so predominant in eastern furnishings and decorative arts both, historically and today. The diamond shaping through the peaks and troughs of inter-woven lines is reminiscent of art-deco styling which creates a beautiful, fresh feel to the design.

 

Handmade Indigo cushions made in a variety of sizes, patterns, finishes and shades of Indigo. Hand made to order.

Please contact john@bluehanded.co.uk for further information, or visit our online shop for more design options to inspire you.

Increasingly rare examples of Katazome, known as Lan Yin Hua Bu in mandarin, can still be found in the country side villages, dating back 100 years. The cotton was hand woven, which is no longer made and the fading achieved through the years of use and being hand washed on river stones.

There are 2 main types of cloths:

Square: ‘Wrap cloths’ used to store and carry personal items were folded at the corners and tied together. A symbolic silk flying bat, sewn in one corner was a  sign of prestige

Rectangular: these were traditionally bed covers, often given as wedding presents or for children’s bedding. The symbols and designs were to wish long life, prosperity and a happy life together or good luck with the children’s exams.

Pin Bu

Chinese for ‘Patched Fabric’ is similar to Japanese ‘Boro’. It recollects the austere revolutionary days of China where little was wasted yet Lan Yin Hua Bu was still a part of rural life ‘luxury’ and continued when much else was lost.

During these difficult times, the only indigo fabric made, was made for export to Japan. The patchwork, re-pair of something old, also represents the loss of Chinese culture and efforts to keep it alive.

Antique Indigo and Pin Bu can be combined with newly dyed fabric, using traditional methods.

Vintage indigo katazome textiles, 100 to 70 years old are sold at Rouge Shop London, 158 Stoke Newington High Street, London N16 7JL  www.rouge-shop.co.uk

Vintage indigo fabric cushions. Due to the nature of vintage indigo, each piece is unique. Custom sizes, finishes available in a variety of different vintage indigo patterns. Hand made to order.

Please contact john@bluehanded.co.uk for further information, or visit our online shop for more design options to inspire you.