Henna

The leaves of the henna plant are the source of a red-brown dye widely used for body art, known as mendhi in South Asia. First used in the Near East and South Asia, henna art is now popular around the world. Henna body art is made by applying henna paste to the skin: the lawsone in the paste migrates into the outermost layer of the skin and makes a red-brown stain.

Some of the floral Islamic patterns and designs I found while researching reminded me of the traditional Henna designs that are used for weddings and different special occasions in many cultures. I think the intricacy and delicacy in these designs make them elegant and I believe they would make beautiful prints for a garment.

Islamic Designs, part 2

As I have spent a large part of my life living in Qatar I have always been interested in Islamic designs found in that part of the world, such as the geometric shapes used in Islamic architecture and the beautiful, elongated shapes of Islamic and Arabic calligraphy. For this reason, I continued my research and collected images of different Islamic designs showing the many geometric shapes that can be observed in most architecture found in the Middle East. I think these beautiful designs provide a building with great characteristics of culture and tradition. Below are some of the images from my book of research.

Islamic Design, part 1

Geometric motifs were popular with Islamic artists and designers in many parts of the world, for decorating nearly every surface, whether it was walls or floors, pots or lamps, book covers or textiles. As Islam spread from nation to nation and region to region, Islamic artists combined their penchant for geometry with existing traditions, creating a new and distinctive Islamic art.

Psychedelic Patterns

Colour Palette

I chose my colour palette from the image shown above as I think these colours are bright and eye-catching. I have always wanted to create many prints in black and white with splashes of colour for my final collection; therefore my colour palette will be mainly black and white with hints of these chosen colours splashed in different places in my prints.