Primordial Pigments
Harnessing living bacteria as a co-designer in traditional block printing
William Morris is perhaps one of the most famous British designers in history. Celebrated for his textiles, prints, and wallpapers, Morris observed the natural landscape and drew inspiration from the many species of flora and fauna that surrounded him.
In this project, I sourced and cultivated bacteria from the original William Morris workshop before re-imagining how I could not only re-interpret his patterns, but also envision how bacteria dye techniques could lead to a more sustainable textile industry.
My final samples employ traditional methods of printmaking but use pigment-producing bacteria instead of more traditional dyes. In a process that provides equal agency to living organisms, bacteria grow and develop over time to reveal colours and patterns on fabrics.
Whilst I as the designer initially direct the bacteria growth, the final pattern is very much dependent on the bacteria itself. The outcomes offer a future-facing glimpse at how designers can co-create with living organisms rather than simply exploit them.
Annie Payne
annelisepayne5@gmail.com
annelisepayne.com