Alumni Stories - Eva Kerley
"My time in college was fueled by a deep passion for the Tuam story. Collaborating closely with tutors, I delved into the project, driven by a commitment to bring the narrative to life through textile design and explore the healing aspects within the context of the survivors' experiences."
Designer: Eva Kerley
Occupation: Textile Designer
Course/Graduation: Textiles & Surface Design (Constructed) 2023
Discipline: Woven & knitted textile construction/design, textile dying
Residence: Dublin, Ireland
2023 Design Competition Awards/Achievements:
Institute of Designers in Ireland Graduate Award in Textiles
Robin and Lucienne Day Foundation Award
Shortlisted for the Global Graduate Design Show in Fashion/Textile Design
Commendation in the SDC Colour Competition
Briefly describe your design project?
My project is called Cuimhneas (memory). The Designs are inspired by the book ‘Belonging’ by Catherine Corless and Naomi Linehan. A book detailing the stories of the Tuam Mother & Baby Home victims and survivors. An institution like many others in Ireland, where unwed mothers were incarcerated and their children taken off them against their will. The collection explores nurture and the darkness of the memories of ‘the home babies’ and their Mothers. The fabrics intend to act as an antidote to these horrible memories and heal. Cuimhneas is a collection of blankets, each reflecting the story of individuals mentioned in the book.
Blankets are one of the first objects that humans form a bond with. They provide comfort, security and nurture, similar to a mother’s embrace. The Cuimhneas collection is intended to be appreciated as blankets and healing objects. The fabrics’ scent, colour and feel have been carefully curated to promote the utmost sense of comfort. The aim is to target the wearer’s inner child and emulate the familiar sense of security. And promote nurturing oneself in adulthood. Using carefully selected fibres and natural dyeing makes this collection sustainable, low impact and gentle on the skin.
Identifying good design competitions to enter is crucial for showcasing your skills and gaining recognition in the industry. My advice for finding suitable competitions to enter is to look for competitions with a reputable history. Check the track record of past winners and the organisations or institutions behind the competition. Choose competitions that align with your design style, interests, and career goals. This ensures that your work fits the competition theme or requirements well. Finally, consider the level of exposure and opportunities that come with winning the competition. Some competitions offer exhibition opportunities, publication in design journals, or connections with industry professional
Briefly describe the work that goes into submitting a professional design competition entry?
In the final stages of my textile design project, I rendered my concept into a single clear and concise page to distill the essence of my vision. My project was heavily inspired by stories, so it was essential to convey the complex subject matter visually. The process involved a thoughtful selection of designs that encapsulated the technical beauty of the fabrics and, more importantly, conveyed a distinct mood and narrative. It’s essential that you visually explain any complex aspects of your project or what you believe to be unique about your design process.
To enhance the submission of my textile design project, I created a video focusing on tactility. Tactility was crucial in the Cuimhneas collection, so the video showcased the nature of the fabrics through close-ups, movement, and narration. You should utilise that opportunity if a competition allows you to convey your project in writing or videos. The more you have to show, the more time the judges will spend looking at your submission.
Briefly describe what was it about your submission that made it stand-out from the competition?
Cuimhneas stands out due to its unique subject matter and execution. Centred around Catherine Corless's book, "Belonging," which exposed the Tuam Mother and Baby Home, each fabric in my collection tells a survivor's story. Beyond narrating these experiences, the project focuses on healing. The blankets are crafted to look and feel exquisite and evoke a sensory journey, engaging sight, touch, and scent in a profound exploration of resilience and recovery. The blankets are designed for sensory immersion, visually stunning, gentle on the skin, and biodegradable. Additionally, natural dyes enhance the project’s sustainability commitment, offering a holistic and conscientious textile product.
My time in college was fueled by a deep passion for the Tuam story. Collaborating closely with tutors, I delved into the project, driven by a commitment to bring the narrative to life through textile design and explore the healing aspects within the context of the survivors' experiences.
Briefly describe what impact will your design competition success make?
Winning a textile design competition in Ireland or beyond will elevate your professional profile by adding a prestigious achievement to your CV and LinkedIn. This success enhances your visibility in the industry, opens doors to networking opportunities, accelerates career development, and validates your skills. It contributes positively to the Irish design community and establishes you as a standout talent.
