Week 6

This week has been a busy one, and I feel like I am pushing through whatever block I have had and immersing in the play element of the project. Following an extensive day of embroidery techniques from Nigel, I have experimented with the insertion stitch on the faggoting machine in an attempt to add an interesting quality to my play with structure. I took a risk using some hessian jute with brown paper backing (hoping this stiff, difficult material will add support to the form of my samples) on the faggoting machine; the open weave of the hessian is unconventional on the machine as it needs a clean edge to stitch on to. Persistence saw it through and I am quite happy with how the insertion stitch can be using to break up the space within the tube like structure.

Hessian strips connected using insertion stitch on faggotting machine

interested in the possibilities of structure with this technique; easy to manipulate whilst retaining stiffness

hessian faggoting could be a folded form

re-arranged drawings and samples to evaluate my direction and aesthetic

I can feel my project slowly come together and after a rearrangement of my wall I am seeing the ‘festival feel’ returning to the surface.

Week 5

Following Julie’s advice last week I began to translate drawn line qualities in my work whilst also exploring structure. Using some dark blue felt as a representation of the flat, bulky marks in some of my drawings and playing with the pintuck stitch to trap copper wire I am developing ideas of how thread can help build shape and structure in a sample. My satin stitch could have been refined in this sample, but I am interested in the 3-D qualities I have achieved in it, and how it may interact with the relationship between the body and space.

I have also began to explore sublimation print, interested in how I can add a 3-d element to a flat print. I feel like I am beginning to build a language I can utilise as a designer/artist. This felt piece is pushing on ideas of structure whilst incorporating print. 

Week 4

Today we had a pin-up session with both Mark and Julie’s tutorial groups which was a beneficial to see where my work is now at, and to get another perspective from a much larger group. I’m pleased Julie found my drawing style “contemporary and original” but suggested playing with digital/sublimation print to produce grounds, and to push exploration of translating drawings into material. She questioned my context and perhaps this is something I have to consider more; costume design is a possible avenue Julie could see my samples geared to. I aim to push experimentation this week and become a bit more playful with my materials.

fragment drawing, Julie found the line qualities interesting; I aim to translate this to materials

felt tip, graphite and blue gouche

Ethos sample with hand aplique; very pleased with this illustration

Inspired by a drawing of a lady on a postcard I acquired in the Barcelona flee markets I continued to develop my ethos skills this week with a colourful piece. I feel satisfied with the quality of the illustration, yet I need to explore more ways to experiment more with the ethos.