Diane Bresson
‘I enjoy printing as a research process more than as an end in itself,’ explains French designer Diane Bresson. ‘It pushes me to have less control and allows for happy mistakes; things don’t align properly, and stencils aren’t perfectly cut, but it’s what makes the result unique, especially when mixed with sharp geometric shapes created on the computer. Plus, there’s an immediate result and quick turnaround time that allows fast trial and error, and it’s very flexible as to where it can be applied and what it can be used for.’ It’s this combination of traditional and digital techniques that helped the Central Saint Martin’s graduate scoop the Colour in Design award at New Designers in 2018, when she screen-printed 20 metres of wallpaper without repeat before scanning the rolls and turning them into limited-edition giclée prints. ‘Each is a completely different thought process that gives very different results,’ she says. ‘I usually print without a plan, laying sheets of paper or a big roll across the table, before layering screens and colours. I then take those research pieces back to the computer and use elements to get a more textural finish.’ Inspiration comes from photography and music and everyday objects, as well as op art and recreational mathematics, in particular the ‘Mathematical Games’ columns of Martin Gardner, published in Scientific American magazine from 1956 to 1986. ‘During the design process, the work more or less nourishes itself,’ says Diane. ‘I can take one element and work with it through a different process or combine it with something new and it always leads me to fresh outcomes.’ A collaboration with rug manufacturer Floor Story is imminent, while going forward, the music industry is where Diane’s ambitions lie. ‘I’d love to work on visuals – music plays a big part in my creative process, so it would be amazing to design something related to it.’