Refinement - Self Initiated

multi head design on green velvet

multi head pattern repeated on violet velvet

repeat of head pattern, stripped back

Referencing back to a group tutorial we had with Jane McKetting in the last unit, she informed us that the multi-head is best utilised when you repeat an existing design or alter it in further development; with this in mind I decided to stretch out the use of my head design and produce some samples on the dyed velvets I have accumulated. Following on from my multi-head experimentation last week one thing I decided to change was to strip back a lot of the fill and satin stitch and rely on changing the stitch sequences to double the running stitch sequences with different threads. The multi head on velvet creates a beautiful embossed effect which I'd like to explore further either in this project or the next. I feel these samples fit more into a fashion context than a art/costume directed one, which is something for me to consider in the future.

face design, multi head, dip-dyed velvet

I utilised the design further and explored increasing scale by placing it on a larger piece of dip-dyed velvet, with violet bleeding into a teal green. On the bleed I wanted to play with subtle balances of colour, with tones and shades of the dye mirrored through thread choice. I think the negative space works well, and is probably one of my less 'busy' pieces, which is important to consider when thinking about promotion of my work and intended audiences.

satin fill border, multi head, dip-dyed velvet

I decided to focus on refining my illustrations and see how I could aid my hand using Photoshop. I feel like I have really made improvements with my photoshop skills, and have a much stronger comprahension of brushes, layers and my general approach to digital art. I feel the next step of progression is to continue developing the illustrations I already have with the possibility of digitally printing on fabric. I feel the Adobe touch has brought my drawings further to life and is a great way for me to make key decisions about presentation of my narratives. 

digital illustration, collaged on Photoshop, 'Dandy no.1'