The West Coast Creatives Series: Meet… Anna Podlewska
Tell me a bit about yourself, your practice and your background?
I studied Fashion Design at the University of Arts London and throughout the course I was more interested in the surface of the fabric than the garment itself.
A good cloth defines a garment, in my opinion, and so much detail can be achieved in a subtle way. My first job after graduating in 2011 was working for London-based designer Roksanda Ilinčić. Four years here nurtured by love of bold colour and abstract patterns.
Since then, I’ve continued to work as a print designer in the apparel industry in the London, New York and Philadelphia, for designers such as Alexander McQueen, Jasper Conran, Solace London and Anthropologie.
In 2021, I relocated to the West Coast of Ireland, from where I continue to work as a freelance textile designer along side spending time on my independent art work; two practices which are very much intertwined now. I use painting to develop the patterns and motifs that will become textile designs, favouring work by hand in this way because it encourages free experimental shapes to develop.
Can you talk me through your practice, what’s an average day looks like?
As a textile designer I am usually working to briefs set by clients - ie clothing designers. I respond to these briefs with additional research to inspire and inform me. This is done online or from books.
Next I’ll start painting – identifying key shapes and motifs, a rough composition and colour experimentation.
When the painting is finished I scan in the artwork to create a digital version. Using Photoshop I mock up the design onto a photo of a garment. This allows me to visually experiment with varying scales (ie. is the pattern big and oversized or a smaller scale?) and experiment with the placement of the colour and shapes on the garment.
I also often use Photoshop to adjust the colours of an artwork when working for a client who has a specific colour palette in mind. When the design feels right, I prepare the digital file so that it is ready to be printed on to or woven into cloth.
What drew you to the west coast?
Honestly, I ended up here by complete chance. After living abroad in the US for a couple of years it was time for myself and partner to head back to this side of the world. He’s Irish and always wanted to move back home.
We had friends living in Liscannor, County Clare, and after a summer of visiting them we just felt so comfortable and happy we decided to move here. The draw of the West.
Where do you go for inspiration locally?
For creative inspiration I keep an eye on the exhibitions at the Burren College of Art who feature a fantastic range of artists in their beautiful exhibition space. Súil Gallery and Glór in Ennis and Outset Gallery in Galway city have fantastic contemporary exhibitions too!
What are your local haunts?
Ohlala Creperie, Ennistymon
Friendly vibes and fab vintage crockery. With a book, my laptop or a lunch with friends. The buckwheat peanut butter chocolate brownies are delicious!
Fanore Beach
Often overlooked, it's by far the best in the area. When the tides out you can walk along the beautiful rocks for 2km and pick delicious wild samphire.
Flaggy Shore
For a night away, it's my old T4 campervan and a jog along the Flaggy Shore. It’s close to home but feels like a different headspace.
Where are your favourite spots further afield along the west coast?
Fresh air and hiking clears my head and gives me focus, so when I need to mentally recharge I head to Connemara for a few days. I find that then when I’m back at work I feel revitalised and focused.
Being amongst the powerful open landscape reminds me that I’m just a small human and that an any worries and concerns I have are also small and insignificant.
I love the wild and rugged landscape, the openness. On many routes up you won't see a soul all day – it's just you and nature around you. Being amongst the powerful open landscape reminds me that I’m just a small human and that an any worries and concerns I have are also small and insignificant. The effect is so relaxing and calming.
Where’s next on your to-visit list on the west coast and why?
I’d love to explore more hiking further up the north west coast. An over-night hike and camp in Wild Nephin Dark Sky Park, Mayo, has been on my bucket list for a while as well as the Bluestack mountains in Donegal!
annapodlewska.com, @annapodlewska
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