Q: How does working with silk compare to working with cotton?

Loralee Jade; The translucency of silk allows pigment to retain its fluidity far more than the thicker weave of cotton. Silk opens and is stained with the first touch of liquid. Whereas, cotton or linen pushes back and holds on to its structure longer. In silks surrender to change, it becomes imbedded entirely in pigment, from front to back the fabric is soaked and stained with the movement of the brush. Pigment is no longer separable from fabric. Working on silk is a lesson in acceptance and surrender, you have to hand over control to the fragile weave and the flow of water. The veil like surface you’re left with invites a sense of strength and solidity within flux and uncertainty.

UNIK; Oh, we love working with both silk and cotton, depending on the type of occasion we’re designing for. Silk, is just so luxurious, soft, smooth and well, silky, it is perfect for a special occasion piece. Silk instantly elevates a design and depending what type of silk you use; it can turn a cotton sun dress into a bridal garment.  Silk also absorb colour really well and you can achieve these rich and vibrant colours which is very different from the more muted tones in our linens and cottons. Cotton is extremely versatile and depending on the type of weave and the design, it can be suitable for both casual and/or elegant. Silk does not have much give in it, so when designing silk pieces this needs to be taken into consideration as it can be restrictive if too tight. Whereas cotton gives with wear.

Q: Do you feel your colour palette shifting as seasons or changes in life evolve?

Loralee Jade; My colour palette shifts constantly, however not so much inline with the weather seasons but to my personal interior seasons. If I’m going through a personal winter my colour palette reflects that. I choose colours to assist in pulling myself out and into a desired state. Certain colours have really strong emotive responses, some are linked to loved ones, dusty magenta for example is always my Mum. Bright pinks and reds, are most likely me trying to coax more liveliness and joy. The soft blues and greys are searching for peace. My relationship to colour is about how a colour makes me feel, especially in relationship and interaction with other colours. I don’t consciously set out specific colours to use, instead I mix colours as the paintings call for it. It’s a conversation between the painting and myself. Sometimes I’m better at listening than others.

UNIK; Our colour palette definitely changes with the seasons as we are constantly inspired by nature and places we visit. Often drawing inspiration from sighting a flower, plant, or sunset sky for the hues we play with. We use a neutral colour palette for our core range and our limited editions are influenced by the colours of nature and the world around us, which is ever evolving, as are we.

Q; What do you want your pieces to portray to the viewer in 3 words?

Loralee Jade; Balance, strength and tenderness.

UNIK; Elevated, natural, effortless.

To view Loralee Jade’s current available work please click here, and to shop UNIKSPACE please click here.