Into our world of Textiles with Tarien.

1. Where do you find your inspiration for Rialheim textiles after being briefed on the theme and new collection? 

I find inspiration throughout my daily life. I think when your eyes are trained to look for interesting visual cues in unexpected places it becomes part of one’s way of being in the world. Collecting snippets of inspiration as you walk through your days becomes second nature. My camera role is full of strange pictures of arbitrary things that spark ideas I will then explore further when I get back in my studio.

For Ocean Myths I tried to look beneath the surface or expected. One of the most therapeutic sensations in this world for me is having my barefoot in the sand and walking along coastlines. There’s something deeply healing for me to feel the sand under my feet; a reflexology treatment by nature, for free! What magic can be found on closer inspection? The fact that sand is formed by the culmination of millions and billions of little tiny pieces of broken shells is so magical in itself isn’t it? What does it look like when we look a little closer at it or a lot? Little abstract shapes of beauty! I was so inspired and delighted by it and the more I googled these images the more I needed to paint it. Using inks and water was a natural choice for me within this theme.

I love the result we achieved by printing it on a natural cotton linen blend we chose for the Ocean Myths scatter cushion. It gives a beautiful luxurious feeling layered with a little bit of golden embroidery done by hand.

My visual diary and sketchbook I always keep on me is another source of inspiration or creative archive I turn to when briefed on more abstract themes. I tend to doodle more subconsciously than drawing from real life and these abstract doodles can sometimes be useful as a starting point for an idea or pattern. I will forever be intrigued by our subconscious minds and drawing or doodling from this state always results in playful, interesting and unexpected visuals.

2. What makes each textile collection unique and different from the previous one?

Definitely the stories we tell. Each collection has its own unique narrative that we use as a foundation for experimentation and exploration. It's also important to us to produce our collections locally and many times we have to work with what we’ve got and be creative around that.

We also tend to combine weaving, printing, and embroidery which results in layered luxury pieces. The one collection always builds on the learnings we learned from the previous collection.

3. What do you hope people feel when they see or experience your textiles?
A sense of wonder.

4. What has been your favorite product to create in collaboration with Rial and the Rialheim team?

So far The African Farm Textile Collection has been a highlight for me with the table cloth being my favorite product. Second would be the new Micro-Sand Scallop Scatter Cushion we just launched for the Ocean Myths story.

5. If you could create a future textile story for Rialheim, what would it be and why?

I am currently working on it in studio and am very excited about it. I think it will be a beautiful fusion of me and Rialheim’s DNA. It’s another playful ode to nature. I also want to focus on texture and natural fibers for this one. Hopefully we’ll be able to share it early next year or that’s the goal ;)

6. From the new Ocean Myths collection, which product is your favorite that isn’t part of the textile range?

That’s a tough one, but the Waddle Paddle Vase is a firm favorite of mine with the Touchy Feely and Feeling Shy Octopuses both being close seconds.

7. How do you approach market research and turn textile trends into your own unique story?

I give myself enough time to do a proper deep dive into research and immerse myself in it. After that process, it’s naturally integrated in the back of your mind as you go on to the design process. That’s my simple way of making sure my designs and process are informed by the current zeitgeist, while trying to keep things original.

When I design I make an effort to stay off platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. I prefer to look for inspiration in the physical, tactile world around me, nature and my own subconscious doodles. I work very intuitively and make design choices by following my gut. I still have a lot to learn surrounding the commercial viability of a product. My own personal taste is definitely not mainstream, but with every new collection we’re releasing I am evolving alongside this brand which I have come to love so dearly. Rialheim has become a creative home for me and some of my artistic ideas. A symbiotic relationship I value and treasure.