WORDS CELESTE JACOBS PHOTOS JAN RAS, SUPPLIED
From wallpaper to jewellery and one-off prints, Cape Town designer Gillian Fuller’s geometric designs adapt and transform to different modes of expression while still maintaining her signature style.
Gillian Fuller’s bright, instantly arresting work is largely geometric, and inspired by man-made structures. “Nevertheless,” she says, “inspiration is also to be found in microscopic components of nature, as seen when magnified. At a cellular level, there are endless ideas for design.”
Gillian’s signature style translates well into a range of expressions, including beadwork, fabrics and wallpaper. In fact, she says, “Most of my surface designs emanate from beadwork designs. Repeats are easy to create, with some adjustments.”
The scale of use of the designs also plays a big part in their boldness, whether it be one repeat enlarged to the width of a fabric, or several repeats to create an entirely different effect, explains Gillian. “In other words, my beadwork designs are interchangeable as fabric, wallpaper and one-off prints, with the latter being something I want to concentrate on.”
In 2016, Gillian collaborated with interior designer Robert Sherwood to produce two large Diasec prints, which were exhibited in his Cape Town showroom. “From these two prints arose an awareness of the potential of my designs, and a collaboration with Robin Sprong to design wallpaper,” says Gillian. She was also invited to participate in Cape Town’s 100% Design event, in association with Platform Creative, to exhibit some of her designs as fabrics.
Whether you opt for her beadwork or wall treatments, any of Gillian’s pieces will add a strong, confident energy to your space. You can shop Gillian’s collection for Robin Sprong online, and contact her directly on Instagram for jewellery.
Love this? Check out this graphic SPACES wallpaper collection by French wallpaper and fabric brand Caselio
