Virtual Fruit

The installation piece “Virtual Fruit” grew out of some of the earliest use of digital print technology for textiles. Together with Hitoshi Ujiie, one of the world’s foremost experts in this technology and director of the Centre for Excellence of Digital Ink Jet Printing for Textiles, Philadelphia University, Ceri Isaac created pieces that explored the impact of this new medium. Their intent was to create innovative styles for a digital era by reinventing the surfaces of the everyday cloth with which we surround ourselves. Isaac and Ujiie investigated the new image styles made possible through digital photography, video and inkjet printing. The pieces were evoked by a fascination with capturing objects or textures reminiscent of traditional motifs, in a manner not too obviously computer generated, yet modern in impact. Central to the process was experimentation with, and alteration of, colour from the initial starkly photographic image towards a subtler and more decorative design solution.

Our research investigated the new image styles made possible through digital photography, video and inkjet printing. The pieces were evoked by a fascination with capturing objects or textures reminiscent of traditional motifs, in a manner not too obviously computer generated, yet modern in impact. Central to the process was experimentation with and alteration of colour from the initial starkly photographic image towards a subtler and more decorative design solution. This maximized the technology’s potential for achieving detail and unlimited colours, subtleties, not possible when using traditional print methods. I contributed much of the initial sketch materials or “raw” photographs which were then reworked and re-coloured by both Hitoshi and myself.

Ceri Isaac

Research

My research involves exploration of the new image styles for surface design made possible through the use of digital photography and inkjet printing. I am fascinated by the idea of photographing objects or textures that are reminiscent of traditional motifs, in a manner that is not too obviously computer generated yet remains modern in impact.

Since my work relies on digital printing, looking towards the future of this technology as well as forming links with industry developers and other research centres is also an important part of my research.

Current Research

My current research involves a collaboration with New York artist and costume designer Karen Young on the possibilities that digital textile design brings to modern dance and performance. The imagery for this project is drawn from the natural history collections at the Horniman Museum London.

• http://www.fashion.arts.ac.uk/ceri-isaac...
• http://www.fashion-body-materialcultures...