Glenda Hawkes

Grey Sheep

@glenda_hawkes

Location

Omagh / United Kingdom

University

Ulster Univeristy

I am a knitwear designer whose inspiration stems from an exhilarating 15 months spent living on one of the Aran Islands. Inis Meain has a population of just 150 people and lies out on the west coast of Ireland in the Galway Bay. Accessible by plane or boat, this remote experience has been the largest influence on my graduate collection.
As an ‘adopted’ islander, ensuing and inspirational research methodology involved experiencing island life, listening to fascinating stories and taking an abundance of photographs. I was intrigued by this unique place and my mind was constantly thinking divergently about the inspiration surrounding me. I became particularly captivated by the array of colours found in the fishing nets, ropes and lobster pots that adorn the old pier. In this grey rocky landscape, the fisherman’s ‘tools’ provided a surprising burst of colour. These became fundamental primary research. Visually, my focus was to interrogate the colours and shapes. I hand dyed my yarns, extracting striking, and intense colours from every image. The colour palette achieved is fun and vibrant and reflects the characteristics of the island people who at first seem grey and dull but soon display their individual, dynamic personalities.

Latest Collection

ISLANDER

As a knitwear designer my designs reflect a persistent desire to create highly textured, hand manipulated, colourful knitwear.
I am fascinated by process and discovery.

My inspiration stems from a remarkable year on Inis Meáin, one of the Aran Islands. This remote experience was the largest influence on my collection. As an ‘adopted’ islander I immersed myself in island life. A life which was laid back and carefree, like the island inhabitants. I was captivated by the array of colours found In this seemingly grey, rocky landscape. Fisherman’s tools such as the lobster pots, ropes and nets that adorned the old pier provided a surprising burst of colour. Using intense hues and hand dying yarns, I achieved a colour palette which reflected the individual, dynamic characteristics of the island people.

Fishing plays such an integral role in island existence that i wanted to explore the traditional oilskins and fisherman’s outerwear. Inspired by their traditional
clothing, considering shape and fabric qualities allowed me to produce an innovative collection. Luxurious yarns such as baby alpaca and silk and organic pima cotton have been used to enhance warmth and comfort. This mix of soft luxurious inlay techniques combined with laminated knitwear allows me to encapsulate the indigenous nature of island life.