I am a surface print designer for lifestyle prints and my brand Kate Bond adheres to an aesthetic of hand-drawn floral motifs juxtaposed with delicate paper pleats. It was during my BA in Jewellery and Silversmithing that my fascination with intricate mathematical pleats and patterns began. As you can see from my designs below working with hand crafted techniques is a fundamental methodology of my creative work, as is drawing.

Over the years I have exhibited in many galleries and exhibitions including SOFA Chicago and Lesley Craze Gallery in London. Some time ago I was awarded a precious metal bursary by The Worshipful Company of Goldsmiths. But time has moved on and now my passion lies in textiles…

Since completing my MA at Bath Spa University last year I have been freelancing and working towards the launch of my new e-commerce website (this September!). I designed a wallpaper for Nina Campbell, which is out in two weeks time – I will update you on this as soon as it is launched! And, for the last eight months have been working on a creative project for the Bristol Royal Infirmary. This project includes the design and manufacture of fabric, blinds, cushions and a lightbox (see visuals below). This is a very sensitive project, being for the Bereavement Centre. I was asked by Willis Newton, a leading arts and health consultancy, to take on this work.

In addition I now sell a range of fabrics in Woodhouse & Law in Bath and Plaskett & Plaskett in York. I hope to expand on selling outlets in the coming year.

Together with the freelance work and projects mentioned above I have also been a teacher of textiles for 13 years at Prior Park College in Bath.  Textiles is a growing subject at Prior, with healthy numbers of boys and girls taking the subject at exam level.  At A Level we visit local practitioners in their studios as much as possible. Last year we painted fabrics with Carole Waller and visited the weaver Katherine Fraser.  There are many more plans in place for next year!

Kate Bond