UNIT X- Craft Fair 19/04/13

During the previous project I was exploring the relationship between hard and soft materials which resulted in using the laser cutter, wood and thread. I wanted to further my practise and explore this concept as I felt that there was more to discover and evolve within this idea. From the National Trust online archive I discovered some painted wooden floorboards that were inspired by Kelim rugs, which are tapestry woven rugs originating from the Middle East. I was drawn to these items by the bold painted colours combined with the natural colour of the wood.

However they were limiting my drawing and research as there was already an established pattern and colour palette to use. I decided to go back to the origins on wood, so I visited Stowe a National Trust property near Buckingham and took some interesting photos of the site including some of trees that focused on the texture, colour and pattern. From the images I have drawn and started to make small samples to portray the essence of the images and encourage people to look closer and appreciate our natural surroundings.

I am focusing my work for placement within the GNNCF, with a focus on an interiors based product and basing my ideas on the inception and heritage of the National Trust. From the research I have carried out so far I plan on experimenting further by using different substrates (such as paper and wood) combined with thread to further my knowledge of these materials. I will explore different textures, patterns and colours. I do not currently know what the final outcome of the project will be, but I envisage that it will be a wall based piece suitable for the market at the GNNCF.

The professional lectures have been very useful and have strongly encouraged me to think about the professional world in which my practice will sit.  The main point that I have recognised from the lectures is that you have to put yourself and your work out there in order for it to be recognised, it will not happen by itself. Manifold studio portrayed how being part of a studio can have many benefits such as sharing equipment, costs and logistics of running a studio. Furthermore they have the chance to promote themselves through the studio as well as their individual selves thus expanding on the exposure of their practice. Alice Kettle advised us to ‘have faith in yourself and your work’, this advice from such a well-established textile artist is definitely a value I am going to try and maintain. Alice’s talk also reaffirmed that my work is best suited to sit within the field of gallery based work and commissions.

I received some vital feedback from my tutorial; the main point was that I need to have a greater connection to the National Trust, as the photos I took could have been taken in any outside area. I have begun to research further into  the facts and figures surrounding  the National Trust and the placement and location of  properties.