Marra – An old friend or workmate, particularly used in mining collieries.
This textiles collection is a celebration of the mining roots of county Durham, represented through my neighbourhood, expressing my ‘canny’ community. I have modernised the traditional miners banners to create a streetwear collection designed to be a body of jackets, allowing the pride of the area to be paraded. My work focuses around a series of paintings, portraits of my neighbours as well as important locations that reference the history of the area. I chose my neighbours as they display the kind and helpful values that the area has ingrained from the miners and their companionship. Inspired by the banners, my prints incorporate the personalities and interests of my neighbours within the ornate swirls in the background. My colour palette is based on their favourite colours, pulled together in shades that complement each other to accentuate their friendship. I am inspired by the sparkle coal shows when a light is shone on it, this is the reference point for using foil and beading in my work, making a nod to the idea that coal shines through our community.
