Pattern Graphic Design of Printed Fabric to Present the Identity of Phetchaburi Karen’s Woven Fabric

Abstract

This research project was a creative research in the contemporary art form of pattern design with digital printing techniques to present the identity of Phetchaburi Karen’s woven fabric. The objectives of the study were 1) to investigate the identity of Phetchaburi Karen’s woven fabric, lifestyle, tradition and culture, 2) to find out the guidelines for creating contemporary art in form of pattern design of printed fabric by applying graphic design using digital printing technique that inspired by the unique of Phetchaburi Karen’s woven fabric, lifestyle, tradition and culture, 3) to examine the way to create contemporary art according to the concepts. The study showed that 1) the identity of Phetchaburi Karen’s woven fabric still used traditional Karen weaving loom and the Karen woven fabric could be divided into 4 groups as follows: (1) Jok pattern (2) Yok dok pattern (3) Dye tie pattern and (4) Embroidery pattern. Most of the patterns were inherited from ancestors and adapted from the nature. Most woven fabric patterns were created from geometric shapes and use various lines to create a rhythm of patterns. The color of the Karen fabric’s pattern was red, green, yellow, white and black. 2) The way of life of the Karen people continues the tradition and culture, such as the Wein-Sala tradition, eating rice wrapped tradition, and various rituals.Therefore, the researcher used basic information as inspiration to create contemporary works of five pieces in fabric-patterned design with digital printing techniques by using the identity of Karen woven pattern and the symbol to present the Karen’s lifestyle, traditions and culture. The five design works consisted of the names (1) Karen ethnicity, (2) Karen women No.1, (3) Karen women No. 2, (4) Karen women No. 3, and (5) Kaw Hor Karen. (Wrapped sticky rice with banana leaf).  In addition, it was found that the experts’ satisfaction was at a high level in all aspects as follow: 1) value and visual communication (mean =4.44, S.D.=0.72), 2) local identity (mean =4.42, S.D.=0.75), 3) arts and appreciation (mean =4.24, S.D.=0.95), and 4) contemporary (mean =4.22, S.D.=1.02), respectively.