A Brief interview with designer Timothy K
Designer Timothy K's work will be the subject of the first Heavy Sketching. Timothy's work combines the raw and refined into an aesthetic that complements the figure. Here, Timothy K shares a bit fo the thoughts behind the work.
Heavy Sketching: Could you explain what inspires your work?
Timothy K: It can possibly best explained through a Matisse quote: “Much of the beauty that arises in art comes from the struggle an artist wages with his limited medium.”
I finds myself presented with exactly such a struggle. I have found a way to express my creativity through a medium (fashion) on a canvas (the human body), but the struggle lies with the creative process during which I cannot directly translate my inspiration and inner feelings without disrupting the physical appearance and aesthetic of my vision. I live in the space between these limits of the medium and the limitless sources of inspiration, finding the beauty of creation that lies within this struggle. The difficulty to translate what inspires me into an art piece is where I find the beauty in my work. This creative process is the most self-rewarding because it is the most difficult.
HS: What is it about raw/refined that you explore in your work?
TK: My work tends to be classified as refined since we utilize very meticulous and special techniques in our craftsmanship that are rarely still used outside of the Parisian couture houses. But personally coming from a very raw culture I find those ideologies and experiences find their way subconsciously into everything we do in our company.
HS: What is your take on the human figure and it's relationship to your work?
TK: The human form and my fascination for artistically depicting it, (painting, drawing, sculpture) was the catalyst for me first exploring fashion design. Now with all of my designs the figure is always one of the key aspects at the forefront of my mind when developing new silhouettes and designs. I don't pull the shapes and lines that come into my clothing from trends or previously done material, but rather to integrate a design with the already natural and perfect beauty of the human body. This might be a seamless transition between the two with something very body conscious. Or it may be something sculpted over a large portion of the body but still coordinates or is aware of the curves, shapes, and elements of the figure. Additionally this includes everything in between, each time done consciously to achieve the desired aesthetic.
HS: What would your work say to the female form?
TK: Hello, would you like to grab a cold brew with me?
HS: How does drawing play a role in your work?
TK: On many levels. When designing I tend move the inspiration to paper first rather than sourcing fabrics and notions. I am conscious of materials and construction while drawing, but I am out to achieve the perfect shape and silhouette first through hundreds and thousands of drawings, then when decided what will be made we find the appropriate materials and methods of construction. If either can not be found to be able to make this design come to life we will create techniques or materials our own or modify classic versions of either to achieve the final product.
HS: How does your location affect your work?
TK: Actually being a New York City designer, and attempting to create these pieces makes for quite an uphill battle. Haute Couture is already a dying industry. Additionally design quality of that level and production of progressive fashion is mainly in Europe. So with two strikes against us, it can seem tougher to thrive here. But being diamond in the rough in NYC also has its advantages. Although uncertain of what the future holds I hope to one day be privileged with the opportunity to open my own official atelier in Paris.
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