Anna Blanke

George Saunders Reimagined

For the George Saunders Reimagined Exhibition,  Anna Blanke, a fashion design student from Germany who studied textile design at BCU during her semester abroad, embarked on a project to create a wallpaper reflecting the life of George Saunders and his profession.

Textile Design Erasmus Student

Give us a brief overview of your project

Our project focused on creating a captivating wallpaper design that genuinely reflected the life and profession of George Saunders. Through extensive research and immersive visits, we gained a deep understanding of his story and the rich heritage of the location. Exploring the art of wallpaper design, we experimented with various techniques, from illustrative to abstract, and meticulously crafted motifs inspired by our sketches. We aimed to pay homage to George Saunders' legacy while showcasing our own artistic interpretations and design skills. This project allowed us to delve into the history of the Back to Backs and express our creativity through a visually stunning wallpaper design.

Why did you choose this concept?

The intriguing old patterns and drawings on their packaging left a profound impression on me. Furthermore, the preserved suits, coats, and trousers displayed in their original form within the rooms sparked my interest. Notably, the old patterns predominantly featured women, prompting me to envision a reinterpretation by introducing male figures, akin to George Saunders, to imbue the designs with diversity.

What processes have you been using?

I took different old patterns for my motifs and drew some of my sketches from Back to Backs on them, so I created different motifs, which I then combined and continued with small motifs from the cutting papers and placed them in the empty spaces. Then I tried to develop the pattern’s rhythm in a digital way and also by hand.

What do you hope to achieve with your project?

I wanted my project to reflect and honour George Saunders' history and his work for the city but also for his homeland.

How has your course helped you to prepare for working on your project?

Throughout the course of this project, I have come to realize the immense value of thoroughly engaging with the topic at hand before diving into the creative process. By immersing myself in extensive research and exploration, I gained a deeper understanding of the subject matter and was able to approach it with a more informed perspective. Additionally, this project provided me with invaluable opportunities to learn and master new techniques. Whether it was the art of digital repeat, which allowed me to create seamless patterns with precision and efficiency, or the meticulous craftsmanship involved in designing by hand, I expanded my skill set and developed a more versatile approach to my work.