'(s/b)ee, the alternative'
'See the alternative, Bee the alternative'
‘(s/b)ee, the alternative’
see the alternative bee the alternative
This collection is inspired by bees, their incredible UV vision and their importance to our eco system. ‘(s/b)ee, the alternative’ was driven by the innovative process of combining craft with technology. Through the exploration of a range of 3D technologies and methodologies, I have utilised various techniques which have been unconventionally applied to the construction of textiles and versatile materials to create three dimensional surfaces. By doing so, I aim to convey an alternative sense of reality to help alter and change the perception of the viewer. I invite my audience to a new world as seen through the eyes of a bee, which I have created though optical effects within my textiles which react to light and movement. Through the use of phosphorescent pigments, material experimentation and research, this collection reacts, reflects, absorbs and emits light, giving the textiles ever-changing iridescent and luminescent glowing qualities.
As a result, I hope we can ‘(s/b)ee, the alternative’.
RESEARCH
PRESENTATION BOARDS
FINAL COLLECTION
"(s/b)ee, the alternative" IN YOUR HOME
‘(s/b)ee, the alternative’ has been developed and re-created to be apart of your space. This award winning collection of hand woven textiles is now available as contemporary pieces of framed art. Each artwork is 8 X 10 or 8 X 8 inches plus the frame, with a selection of UV reactive pieces available too.
This is a limited edition collection of artworks with a small amount of stock. The yarns used throughought this collection are the remaining stock from the orginal collection. As they are not as sustainable as AK Textiles strives to be, they will not be purchased again so there is a very select amount made.
These pieces have been handmade and designed in Ireland by Amy Kerr.
"(s/b)ee, the alternative" ACCESSORIES
“(s/b)ee, the alternative” has also inspired a collection of hand crocheted sustainable bags and “not silk, silk scarves”.
These accessories have been handmade and designed in Ireland. All the materials and processes have been consiously and sustainably sourced, using as many Irish suppliers and businesses as possible.
They are the perfect eco-conscious contemporary piece & accessory to add to your wardrobe.
“(s/b)ee, the alternative” bee bags
This hand crocheted bag is inspired by the bee’s honeycomb structure and the weave structure seen throughout this collection. They are made from a plant based fiber, which was chosen because bees are pollinators. The yarn fiber used is Hemp, an extremely sustainable and durable fiber. The bags are also natutrally dyed using as range of dyes such as Indigo and Lac.
The handles of this bag are hand-made from the up and coming 17 year old Darragh Whelan from Kilkenny. They are made from 100% Irish Oak and varnished with Irish bees wax.
The bags come with small handmade drawstring inserts made from the prints and fabrics from the initial sampling to reduce waste as much as possible. When these are removed the bag folds and flattens for easy storage and travel.
“(s/b)ee, the alternative” not silk, silk scarves
As the ethos of AK Textiles has sustainablity and ethics at its heart, the scarves created in this collection are not made from real silk. The process in making silk is very harmful to silk worms, people and the planet so alternative more sustainable fabrics have been used instead.
Two different fabrics are avaible, both are eco-certified and sourced from a small fabric digital printing business in Donegal. The first fabric available is a recycled polyester satin made from recycled water bottles. The second is a light weight breathable cotton.
The printing process used to digitally print the designs uses water based inks with no harsh chemicals. The designs are also fixed with heat and not any harsh chemicals or coatings.
The hems are sewn by the local seamstress in Celbridge, just 5 minutes away from Amy’s studio.
All of the designs are inspired by different elements of bees, their vision and their behaviour.