Digital Reflection: The Integration of Digital Imaging Technology into the Creative Practice of Printed Surface Pattern and Textile Designers

Early phenomenological research into the impact of digital imaging on the creative practice of artists and designers of textiles and surface pattern indicates three key areas in which its deployment is initiating change in surface design. These include the development of a new visual language, the evolving of processes and craft techniques in the elaboration of surface and the use of digital communication, Internet and email as an integral resource in the generation and dissemination of work. This paper seeks to explore issues fundamental to the changing nature of practice that arise from the integration of digital technology. New material sourced from case study research, informal recorded interviews, meetings, and personal correspondence, illustrates the way in which a selected group of individual innovatory artists and textile practitioners are using digital technology in their working practice. Reflection upon the creative strategies deployed and the visual outcomes produced indicates several emergent issues. These include the implications of working in virtual rather than physical space, the difficulties posed by the lack of global true colour fidelity, and the way in which the digital workspace is impacting on creative practice. The digital functions of cut and paste, layering and the ability to record and iterate the actions that build the surface are influencing the visual nature of the work created. This, along with the rapid production of virtual surfaces, is stimulating new methods and processes in their physical elaboration. Historically, technological innovation has been instrumental in changing the visual dynamics of the final textile or surface outcome. Digital technology is likely to prove no exception. Problems, difficulties and concerns that are highlighted indicate areas of current and likely future research in this field.