Baltica Foulards
- mail88756
- Jul 4, 2017
- 3 min read
We recently displayed the first collection of printed wool foulards created by London based textile designer Anna Zofia Borowska at our Summer Open Studios. Anna is actually our neighbour who we came to know as a keen mountain hiker. Her stories of the mountains are as enthralling as her work. Anna set up Baltica Foulards in pursuit of her artistic exploration through textiles and we asked her to respond a few questions here.
What brought you to study/practice your art form?
I grew up in an artistic environment - my mum is a jewelry artist and my grandad was a professor of Composition at the Art Academy in Lodz. His paintings and drawings, have always influenced both my aesthetic perception, and later my own style. I have always shared his appreciation for the simplicity of forms, minimalist expression and almost ascetic use of colour.
What inspires you?
I take my inspiration mostly from travelling and exploring diverse cultures - from breathtaking mountain impressions through minimal winter landscapes to simple geometrical shapes found in urban environments.
What are the foulards made of?
The scarves have started off as a hand drawn original artworks, based on a collection of pencil drawings. They have been later translated into a digital pattern and printed on highest quality Wool Lawn. The edges have been finished with a pin hem.
Do you have a favourite tool or material?
I love fabrics made of natural fibre and wool is certainly one of my favourite ones. It is important for me to work with materials that are sustainable and naturally resourced. The lightweight wool I use to create my scarves has got a very fine texture that creates a pleasant sense of warmth and coziness, which makes it ideal for all seasons - it warms up in the winter while giving a delicate and soft feel on a summer day.
Do you have a routine when you create a new piece of work?
I actually don’t, the idea for a new design can come up anytime, anywhere and quite likely at the most unexpected moment. I tend to memorize or photograph those ideas/ inspirations and later re-create them in a sketch. I would often research each of those individual thoughts thoroughly, exploring their possibilities and techniques before finalizing in simple pen drawing or monochromatic brush stroke painting.
How long does it take for you to complete one piece of artwork?
It varies depending mainly on the technique used. For example the original artworks that were an inspiration for the foulards are a subject to long hours of drawing. Roughly I spent over 60-80 hours painstakingly drawing the thin lines finely spaced between each other.
Where can people find your scarfs?
I am showcasing the foulards at few online boutiques, i.e. Wolf and Badger, AHAlife and Weareponymous among others.
If you are offered an opportunity to display your work anywhere in the public, where would it be?
Liberty's. Since a long time I’ve been an admirer of Liberty’s legacy and their long tradition in impeccably made fashionable fabrics and scarfs.
Can you tell us a little about your next collection?
It will be most likely a continuation of the fine pencil drawings, as I feel this is an area that has got still a lot more to explore. However there might be an oriental twist - a strong influence of my over two years of experience of working with handmade chinoiserie wallpapers and exploration of traditional Chinese painting style.
To find out more:
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