Feeling Inspired

After messing about with paper models I produced something I was very pleased with, and once shown to peers and tutors, I feel like it has really brought all my ideas together and I'm now working on creating samples that I'm really excited about!

So now I'm experimenting with using superstitious objects such as magpies, black cats, clovers etc. as yarn. I then intend to experiment with different materials to create my warp and use my laser cut yarn as the weft to weave new fabrics. I am really glad I have discovered this way to sample because I really enjoy weaving and feel like that is where my strengths lie, and the laser cutter and 3D printer will really help to produce some textured and interesting woven fabrics.

This is an artist I have found who makes rugs using a similar technique I intend to use:

http://www.dwell.com/how-they-make-it/article/little-field-flowers

 

Friday Drawing: Magpies

I really enjoyed today's Friday drawing because it allowed me to think more about how to use multiples in my work. We were asked to create a very small sample and then to expand from this sample for the rest of the session.
I used wire to make a small magpie and expanded on this by creating a chain with gradually larger magpies. I decided to make a stop motion animation of the process:

After this sesssion I think I'd like to experiment with chains of shapes and how I might use them to make samples. Will experiment with some paper cutting and folding and see if that provides any inspiration. 

Lazer Cutting

Having done lots of line drawings, and being shown how to manipulate them accurately on illustrator, we booked a session on the lazer cutter. We chose to work with wood for our first session, so I came up with some designs, this was my favourite:

 I really like the effects you can create with the wood and will definitely look to use it again in the future.
At the moment I'm still not sure what my context should be, and I need to think about using a wider range of materials.
I talked to Hazel today who suggested some kind of interactive element, so perhaps looking and childrens toys and linking it to my work.
At the moment my main problem is working out how to fit multiples into my samples and how using the lazer cutter will make this easier.

Superstition Stop Motion Animation

Over the Christmas holidays I have been trying to expand the superstitions I can represent visually. After collecting lots of responses from family and friends, I thought I'd have a go at "step on the cracks, break your mother's back".

After watching all the Wallice and Gromit films as part of the christmas tv schedule I thought it might be fun to experiment with stop motion animation so I bought an amateur stop motion animation app created by Aardman. This is the animation I made:

 

I think next time I make an animation I will have to be sure to make more frames that accurrately represent the movement. I did quite enjoy making it though and feel like it might be helpful later on, whether to record techniques, progress or as a piece with in its own rights. 

The Language of Progress

Streets Clock by Fluid Forms and John Briscella

2008.

This clock is made by superimposing a street map onto a clock face. This data is then sent to a laser cutter, to cut the clock face out of a sheet of acrylic or wood. Fluid Forms has set up an online shop so that customers can choose their own place and create a personalised decorative piece for a gift or their own use.

I really like this piece because each clock is likely to be unique, even if the same place was chosen, due to the map image selecting process. I also really like the intricacy of the clocks and the find the concept of combining space and time very clever.

This work reminds me of Rob Ryan's papercutting in style, because of the cutting away of negative space element. This work also reminds me of Claire Brewster who also uses paper cutting, to create images of birds from maps to represent their migration routes.

The only real relationship between Fluid Forms and my work is the process of mapping data but our design concepts are not very closely linked as I am more interested in fashion/fashion accessories and this work is more homeware.

 

 

 

Textile World Feedback Session

After finally finding my group, I found the feedback session very helpful. At first I was a little unsure about going into Mixed Media and felt Embroidery would be equally appropriate for me, however after sitting and discussing the worlds with other students, and viewing the kind of work they produced, I feel reassured that Mixed Media was the best option. I feel embroidery  I'm looking forward to learning the range of techniques used in this world and attending all the workshops.

I also found the feedback good because it gave me a chance to show case my own work which in turn received many compliments, which is always a good confidence boost especially after receiving sumative feedback, where constructive criticism can sometimes be dis-heartening.

Sampling Research

I found the concept of visually recording time, movement and space very thought-provoking. On my journey to the Macnhester City Art Gallery I recorded my how many and which songs were played on my iPod, the banner-signs of the establishments I passed along the way and how many magpies I saw on my trip. I am looking forward to exploring the different ways of visually communicating this information. At the moment I am considering the use of stitching, collage, typography and inks.

Once at the gallery I enjoyed taking photographs in order to show how my eyes see things. After looking at various pieces of colourful ceramics, colourful 3D textiles and a particularly striking painting of a magpie, I then took the time to record all of the things my eyes spent a lot less time looking at, for example the bland but intricate plant paintings and the frames and wall space the works were mounted on. With this information I plan to reproduce my favourite pieces of work and place them at the center of a kind of patchwork composition with the more geometric and less interesting aspects of the gallery to me.

I also really enjoyed the Grayson Perry tapestry exhabition at the gallery and took inspiration from his use of text and illustration in weaving.
http://www.artfund.org/what-to-see/exhibitions/2013/10/24/grayson-perry-the-vanity-of-small-differences-exhibition