The Cass staff profiles content store_hidden Gina Pierce Our staff

Gina Pierce's work seeks to celebrate the very small, the overlooked, neglected and forgotten details of everyday life and our surroundings. By noting and recording these details and re-presenting in new formats and materials she has sought to tell new stories. A particular location is often a starting point, and the area around her work in Aldgate is one she returns to regularly for inspiration and has formed the basis of research projects at the School of Art, Architecture and Design, where she teaches.

Projects have included a re-imagined collection of Huguenot silks with contemporary city buildings, mosques and road signs; design of combined maps showing the changes in the street patterns and names, and peeling walls combined with old damasks.

Recent work is looking at imagining the small details as large public imagery on the new buildings of the Aldgate area. A study of the weeds growing on the streets of the city and details of the old Wilton’s Music Hall are used for a materials led project working with laser etching and print on wood, leather and plastic.

When exhibiting at shows, Gina has found a ready response from the public, who are inspired to tell me their own stories. This interaction with the viewer completes an important process of communication for Gina, giving the work a life beyond any functionality.

Gina is continually experimenting with combining the digital processes with hand production methods with the aim of producing work that could combine the hand skills required in traditional crafts, with the technological capacity of digital production.

Outcomes include digitally printed wallpapers and fabrics, and hand printed and laser etched materials for accessories and products.

Gina Pierce is a textile and surface designer who has combined freelance work with lecturing since graduating from the MA Textile Design Course at Central Saint Martins.

Commissioned work includes fabrics for Bedford Hospital, US department stores and fashion outlets. In 2008, she established her own practice, Gina Pierce Design, producing fabrics, wallpapers and accessories, and exhibits regularly at shows including 100% Design London and ICFF, New York. Stockists include ABC Home NY and Selfridges, London.

Her work combines hybrid digital and hand production methods, and is based on memorabilia, location and history.