Textile printing - from studio to community
Ingrid’s prints hark back to the early 2000s when her textile design career began in earnest out of a timber studio on the west coast in Kaipara Flats. Raising three children, she has been a true example of a bootstrapped local business, designing and crafting from her studio, then carting her stall of cushions, tea towels, duvets, peg bags, and many other printed domestic items, to local fairs and galas.
She’s since become one of our most treasured textile designers, with work commissioned by the likes of the Air New Zealand Koru Lounge, where Ingrid handprinted hundreds of tui and retro kiwi prints to welcome visitors home. Her works have also recently been acquired by The Auckland Museum for their online collection, alongside Aotearoa’s most renowned textile designers including Frank Carpay and Avis Higgs, a real compliment given Ingrid’s long-term admiration for
these designers.
Her prints of hand-sketched pōhutukawa, native fern, horoeka and raupō, are unmistakably informed by our local environment; iconic in a way that stands free from tokenistic forms which are so often attached to ‘Kiwiana’ design. Ingird’s recent collaboration with Hemptech saw her design an exclusive kawakawa print for their collection. This is now available through reputable interior designers and home furnishing stores throughout Aotearoa.
Ingrid prides herself on using print techniques that are derivative of a past time, where craft was queen and quality integral to environmental stewardship. Her products are hardy and built to last. And as many designers seek cheaper, faster labour alternatives overseas, she has remained loyal to her machinists in the local area and printers in South Auckland. Ingrid believes collaboration with other artisans and local businesses is key to sharing and preserving the integrity of New Zealand Made.
Like many local businesses and creatives, Ingrid has navigated challenging economic times by diversifying her services beyond being a textile designer. With a background as a trained secondary textile teacher, she’s passionate about sharing her skill base and bringing industry practice into the classroom. Expanding her teaching to private workshops run from her studio, tailored to suit various ages and skill levels, has proven very popular. Supported by a 2023 Community Arts Grant, she's been able to host larger classes at local venues, improving accessibility for those in the wider community.
In her most recent venture, Ingrid has introduced ‘Print Sip and Play’ events, collaborating with local businesses to offer interactive, personalised and fun experiences. These events cater to diverse occasions, including hen's parties, corporate gatherings, and birthdays. Visit the Ingrid Anderson Textile Design website for more information on workshops and events and stay tuned for updates on Ingrid’s plans to open her own retail/workshop space in Takatu Road.
www.IATextileDesign.co.nz | 027 442 4560