BA Textile Design Graduate from Nottingham University Sophia Cakova was shortlisted by the judges and nominated as a ‘One to Watch’ for her amazing project ‘Floe’ which features colour changing wearable sculptures that alert people to the effect of climate change. Read on about this talented designers’ unique practise and ethos.
In my work I aimed to reflect the communication between people and nature. I am using different media, that I feel - would allow the viewer to experience different aspects. My interests are smart inks, pleating, combination of textile digital printing, screen-printing and sustainability. My projects are based on visual and tactile installations, products with sculptural impulse and prints. My work refers to observation of the audience reaction. Furthermore, the viewer’s own thoughts and intuition of what they think the 'piece’ might represent, help me develop my work further. Born in 1994 in Bratislava, Slovakia.
How do you feel about being spotted by the judges as a One to Watch – what does it mean to you?
I was amazed and delighted. I feel that it helped me with my confidence to stand out to the world.
How important is colour in your work and how do you choose and narrow down colours?
In my work, I am always trying to experiment with everything – materials I am using, colours or technique. Colour in my work is essential, I am trying to communicate my feelings and connection between human and nature through language of colours. I believe that combination of colours and its mixture is diverse like a human language itself.
What is your main source of inspiration?
I am driven by the psychology of colours and environmental changes. I am inspired by temperature
flow and contrasts caused by melting and freezing processes. I am driven by ecological impact and human footprint, plastic pollution and observation of our planet transformations.
What makes you happiest/most fulfilled in your creative process?
Communication with the audience, I feel the importance of a message which will be here for another generations. I am not a good speaker, but I feel fulfilled when I can create.
What are you working on now?
I am preparing for my next project for my master’s degree at Central Saint Martins where I will be focusing on connection between Art and Science.
Where do you want to be in 3 years’ time?
I have recently graduated; therefore, I feel the importance of a next two years at MA study where I am able to make new connections, collaborations and develop my personality further. In three years’ time, I would like to establish working relationships with artists, scientists and designers to collaborate on site-specific or off-site projects and products, aimed to help people in their everyday life.
Creative high point?
I feel inspired while I am outside and I can observe another people, their habits, their nature. I feel inspired while I am travelling and I can observe different places – those touched by people and those touched by nature, I love contrasts in everything, that I would say is my highest creative point.
Creative low point?
I have never thought about this before – but one thing (which I would say makes me uncomfortable and I feel depressed) is stereotype, in terms of stagnate. That is probably the reason why I am always trying not to stop dreaming.
Is there one person during your studies/life who has really made a difference to your creative journey?
I am more than thankful to have such a supportive people who surround me, and it’s hard to pick one. I believe that everyone who I have ever met has formed my personality and had an impact on my work. I have a great family who believes in me, supportive partner and amazing friends and tutors who encourage me during my journey. I am very happy to have them in my life and very pleased to be a part of their lives.
What is your favourite colour?
My favourite colour is the one which can transform – I love fluid movements and variability of each colour. It’s formation through all senses of tactility, visibility, taste and sound connected with a whole spectrum of colours we can ever imagine.
Image credits: Sophia Cakova
Email: sophia.cakova@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sophiacakova.com
Direct link to my project CIDA Award Submission / project 'FLOE': https://www.sophiacakova.com/portfolio/floe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiacakova/