Meet the Maker: Molly Mahon
Based in Sussex, Molly is a British printmaker whose block print originals are applied to fabrics, wallpapers and a growing range of homewares or as they refer to it, functional arts. We are so excited to partner with Molly on a series of block printing workshops at Thyme this year. But first, let Molly take you through her journey with the art, her inspiration and the work that goes in to every piece,
SCROLL DOWN TO BOOK BLOCK PRINTING WITH MOLLY AT THYME
You are a British Textile Designer, what prompted you to turn your creativity to block printing?
It was really the other way around. I fell in love with the art of block print and then saw that I could apply it to many things. I started with paper for stationery items and then moved on to fabric for cushions and eventually fabric by the metre. It’s through my enthusiasm for block print that I have been able to establish myself as textile designer.
Can you take us through the process of block printing?
The art of block printing goes so far back, thousands of years. The wonderful thing is that the technique hasn’t changed much. You need a well carved block for each colour that you want to apply, then you need a clever eye for colour to mix your chosen palette. The fabric is laid out along a long solid wood table. Originally it was 5m long, enough to lay a sari and blouse, today we work along 20m tables for our interior fabrics. The fabric has to be pinned down as straight as possible with some padding underneath, to allow the block to permeate the cloth. Each block has little extra marks on them called the registration marks which allows the printer to line the blocks up as accurately as possible. Then comes the wonderful ‘thud thud’ of the block as it is hammered down on to the table. The printer works their way down the table and then starts again with another colour until the pattern is complete.
The fabric still has to go through the drying and washing process before it is then ready to use.
Where do you find inspiration for your pieces?
All around me really. I am always thinking about pattern and shapes. There are three things that particularly inspire me, the patterns of leaves in nature, the wonderful bold colours and Mughal florals seen in India and the ‘go get’ attitude of the decoration of Charleston Farmhouse in East Sussex.
What piece that you’ve created are you most proud of?
Now that is a tricky question! I am really excited about some wall hangings I have been making recently. They sold out straight away in my first ever show and I felt very proud about that. I am printing on silk, then backing them with linen before over sewing – I want to take the printed cloth to another level. Block printing is an art form really and I am using these wall hangings to really show that and allow them to sit alongside art pieces as well as fabric for curtains.
How would you describe your design style?
Fun, whimsical, joyful.
How is this reflected in your home? Can you paint a picture for us?
I hope that one would find a bit of all of those things in my home. I want the home to feel welcoming, relaxed and inviting. I want our home to feel personal and very much ‘ours’. You will find lots of colour in our home, whether it’s in the rugs, cushions, wallpapers, paint choices… I don’t follow any rules and have decorated slowly as and when it feels right. I think I am quite brave and have painted the fireplace taking inspiration from Charleston and flowers on cupboard doors like you might find in India. I have drawn inspiration from many places and worked it around inherited pieces, things collected from our travels, childrens and friends art work etc..
What wisdom can you impart for budding designers?
Trust yourself. Of course look at magazines/Instagram for ideas, but then find your own vibe and be confident about it. Make your mark, be bold, go with your gut.
How do you like to spend your weekends, outside of the studio?
Outside, walking…always in nature. Walking with the family, the dog, by myself, or with friends. I love to be moving and breathing in fresh air, feeling connected to the ground and soaking up the magic of the countryside. It then also totally justifies a slump by the fire afterwards with tea/cake and my latest sewing project!