Unit X- Craft Fair 16/5/13

In the final stages of the project I have refined my ideas down to a large scale wall piece. I have moved the idea on so that the work focuses on the location of the National Trust properties in the North West of England. By connecting all the properties together,  a spatial quality is given to the piece seen by the geometric pattern. I have created a wall piece using 3mm ply wood with 3 adjoining squares which are connected with cotton thread. Although I originally planned to take the colours from the Kelim rugs in the National Trust Online Archive I decided against that as I discovered that recently the iconic National Trust logo has been up dated using a range of 9 vibrant colours to give it a more modern feel. From the 9 colours applied to the logo I chose the combination of blue, purple and orange as when put together they provide a striking outcome. I think that one of the strengths of my work is that the overall design and concept can be applied to a range of locations and ideas therefore giving it scope to be developed even further beyond the project. Furthermore the size of the piece can be adjusted, by adding or taking away pieces depending on the size of the area being mapped. 

A weakness of the project is the quality of wood that I used, although the plywood which I have used is practical in terms of it durability and weight, the piece would have had a more professional outcome if I had used a wood of a greater value and a more interesting surface such as oak.

Alongside the wall piece I have created a small framed hand cut paper piece to sit alongside my work. Although I began the project with the initial starting point of the National Trust, I have furthered my ideas so that the work will appeal to a wider audience. Using the same method of plotting locations, I have proposed mapping peoples ‘personal data’. Through this idea the work becomes more personal and affordable. For example, the data may plot a persons favourite places, a memorable journey or significant locations in their life. The work would be open to commission to allow for each piece to be customised. I have kept the geometric design and the colour scheme the same as the wood piece so that the work has a sense of cohesion and continuity.

I feel that my project is appropriate for the Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair as there are several designers and makers who have exhibited their work here who are creating wall based art in mixed media and have a range of products and price ranges in their collections, such as Ella Robinson (http://www.ellarobinson.com/) and Clare Knox Bentham (http://www.clareknoxbentham.co.uk/).  Both artists have also created a collection of smaller more affordable pieces such as jewellery to sit alongside the larger pieces of work

I think that my presentation on Thursday went ok, I said the majority of what I had planned to say, not necessarily in the right order and my sentences became slightly jumbled. If I was to do the presentation again I would ensure that I had written some cards with some clear points to help me keep on track and allow the presentation to flow more fluidly and I would ensur that I maintained eye contact with those watching. It was however good to see all my work compiled together and seen as a whole rather than lots of scattered parts.  If I was to do my project again I would ensure that I carried out more research at the beginning of the project so that I could progress my concept further for the final piece as I would have had more time for development.

Unit X- Craft Fair 03/05/13

Continuing with my project I have researched further into the facts and figures surrounding the National Trust and this has proved to be of far more interest and generated more ideas than my previous lines of research. By looking at numbers, figures and the distribution of the National Trust properties it has allowed me to start mapping the organisation and I have been able to portray  my work in a more precise and analysed manner whilst also giving a stronger connection to the National Trust. 

I am still working towards a wall based piece that will represent the distribution of the properties in the UK. I have also considered creating a smaller form of my idea that could be seen as framed artwork. From the Interim Crit, a fellow student suggested that my pieces could work well as textile products (such as a tea towel or a print) to be sold in the National Trust shop. I had previously not considered this approach, but it is something I will research further into as it could be an interesting more affordable collection to be seen alongside the larger pieces. The Interim Crit proved to be very useful as it made me analyse my work and realise what were the important and most successful points of my project, as well as the weaknesses. From compiling my work together onto boards, it has also allowed me to see what I now need to do to finalise my intended outcomes. It was also interesting to see fellow students work, particular those on other courses and view the range of ideas and concepts that have emerged. 

I have begun to develop and sample my ideas using a range of materials. I am still working with the idea of incorporating wood and stitch, but as wood and using the laser cutter can be a costly, time consuming and more permanent process I have used fabric and paper as an alternative to sample with. By using these materials I can begin to get a feel of the scale and the relationship between the hard and soft materials.

I had a dotted grid cut out on the laser cutter so I experimented with ways of displaying the information using stitch on a wooden surface. Although it has been useful to see the relationship between the wood and the stitch and colour, the grid is restricting and too simple in terms of the patterns that can be made. I have decided that for my next wood cut sample, I will consider the design more thoroughly to ensure that each piece is more of how I envisage the final product to be.  My samples are becoming more geometric in their pattern and have started to slightly resemble the patterns of the Kelim floorboards. I have introduced the bold colours of the floorboards to create a stronger link with the National Trust.

The samples that I feel are more successful are those that combine bold colours and line as this allows the viewer to be immediately captivated and drawn in to look closer at the piece. I looked at the work of Casual Data who undertook a project called 'Sense of Patterns' which looks at the behaviour patterns of humans in public spaces, in particular journeys carried out in cities. Through their research they have created strong visuals  showing daily activities that we all undertake without even thinking about. I particularly like the designs where there is a build up of line and repetition used with strong colours as this makes the work  adds more depth and interest to the work. (http://casualdata.com/senseofpatterns/)

                                    (Images from Casual Data)

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. 

Displaying My Piece...

I've started to thinking about different ways in which to arrange my sculptural piece. I did a few quick sketches to illustrated how it could be displayed. I definitely like the idea of hanging, whether in space or against a wall. I also like the idea of bringing light into it somehow, maybe arranged a around a hanging light bulb (bottom left sketch) or having light behind it, such as a window or using artifical light that will shine through the piece and create a interesting effect and shadows. 

My Work...

Having printed the scanned images ( that were then manipulated in Photoshop) on A1 I wanted to do more with them to make them more interesting and attractive, so I screen printed onto them. Although I like the pattern and design, I do not like the quality produced. When printing onto the tracing paper with the procion dyes, the paper tended to ruffle when it dried so a completely smooth surface wasn't created. I tried to press this out, but the crispness of the tracing paper never came back and I could get smooth finish. I carried on working into them more in the  machine room, using the embroidery foot and the pin tuck foot to achieve parallel lines. I really like the effect the stitch gives, as it reminds me more of the original lines on the maps and adds a bit of texture to the paper. Using the A1 tracing paper on the sewing machines was a bit of a challenge as it isnt as easily manipulated as fabric, I lost a bit of the crispness of the paper from the folding and crumpling I had to do in order for it to fit under the needle.

My Work....

After looking at more maps, the map that stood out to me the most was the tram map, not only are the trams iconic to Manchester but the bold graphic colours stood out to me.  I started to draw more from this and started to like the results more than what I was doing before. I went into the machine room to begin sampling my ideas, which are shown below. 

These were just sowing onto strips of bias binding and webbing, i like the results of the the lines and colours together, but I need to find a better surface to sew into, maybe something more delicate and paper like but that can still hold its structure when folded. 

This piece was weaving the bias binding having sewn into it, I like it but think it could be developed further to make it more interesting.  The piece on the right here is sewing into bubble wrap, I like the texture of bubble wrap and how it is transparent but you cant see everything clearly. I want to carry on working with materials that are see-through and allow the light through. 

My work...

After my visit to the Cube Gallery, my work has been focused a lot more at looking at maps and the details and patterns found within them. I have been looking at different maps of Manchester and the different styles that are produced. Getting lost in the alleys in Marrakech reminded me of some of the really detailed maps as you didn’t know where one line would lead you from first looking at the maps. I have combined these details with the vibrant colours of Morocco. The idea of a making a map/maze within the new building could be interesting and here are some of my drawings so far. My ideas often lead back to maps, but I think this is often because it can help me dream of being in another country that's far away and exotic where I can escape 'normal' life!

I also went back to Special Collections in the library after our induction there. I found it fascinating to be able to see so many many historic and beautiful hand made books. I found two books on Morocco, both of which had colourful illustrations that represented the vibrant atmosphere of the country. 

Self Evaluation of Sampling Unit

Overall I have definitely enjoyed this unit a lot more than the origins and I feel that this is reflected in my work. I think that this is mainly down to my workshop options that I have chosen, machine embroidery and print. I have enjoyed these workshops as they allow me to let my work be a lot more pattern based with a greater focus on colour and texture, all of which are elements of textiles that I particularly enjoy.

I found machine embroidery really interesting. Having only used a basic embroidery foot previously, being able to use a greater range of feet to produce more interesting results was enjoyable. This is definitely a technique that I would like to continue using and experiment more with. I equally enjoyed print as a medium, as once I has finalised my design, there was so much that could be done with just my one design, such as repeat, blocking out, stencilling, foil, flock etc. I hope I will carry this technique on and keep exploring all the possible results that can be achieved.

I have enjoyed looking at aerial photography as my source of inspiration. The world looks so different from up above, an angle we don’t usually think about when thinking of a certain place. When researching I found many images of amazing aerial view photos taken all over the world, showing incredible natural patterns, textures and colours.

Although I am reasonably happy with the outcome of my samples, there are a number of things that I would do or change if I had more time to develop my project. I would have incorporated colour a lot more into my work as I enjoy working with colour, but in this project my palette was too obvious (green for the countryside and grey for the city). By having such a literal colour palette I felt as though I limited myself with the results that I could achieve from my samples. I would also vary the scale a lot more, as I have tended to stick to small samples, with just the odd sample that is a little bigger.  My research could have been more extensive as well; I could have looked at a lot more varying scales of aerial photography that were personal to me. However this could be said for any project as research can be endless as there are so many strands a project could go on. But I hope I will be able to incorporate my interest in aerial photography into futures projects and look at different aspects of it to inspire my work.

Samplings Unit Review

Initially when I was first given the brief I was a little confused as the project seemed very open to me and I didn’t quite know where to begin. But after reading through the brief a few times I decided that I just had to choose two words and start drawing and researching. To begin with I chose linear and nonlinear as I thought this would provide a good contrast in my work, however as the project has progressed my work has developed and subsequently so have my words. For the workshops, I decided to do machine embroidery because I had a small amount of experience of using machines but after seeing others work, from the origins unit, I saw the potential the machines have so I wanted to explore and discover them more.

From looking at my work and my previous

work from this year, I think one of the main aspects that has improved is my drawing, as at the beginning of the year I drew very literally and drew what I saw, but after the drawing workshops last term I realised that often the more interesting drawings are those that look beyond the subject and concentrate on mark making. I could improve my project by paying more attention to my samples and making them different and exploring a range of techniques and combining methods, rather than concentrating on just one. Trying to decide which samples to progress has sometimes been hard , but I have looked at my samples as a whole and the ones that initially stood out to me I have tried to progress, whilst still bearing the project and my sketchbook work in mind and what is relevant to prgressing my ideas.

 

My sketchbook has been more useful to me for this unit than for the Origins unit, as I feel that my drawings are more relevant and I find it easier to link my ideas to my work. It has also been to good as it has allowed to me be able to reflect more easily on my work. My contextual references have also helped me by giving me ideas of how to develop my ideas further. From looking at others work it has inspired me to try out different techniques as well as helping me to keep my project moving forward and trying new ideas out.

If I was to start the project again, I would have changed the words I initially chose as I think this limited me at the beginning of the project. I would also try to spend more time in the machine room experimenting. From doing this project I have realised that drawing is crucial to the project, I have never been the biggest fan of drawing but I have realised that it is essential to my work and I have started to enjoy it more and like discovering new ways and styles of drawing.

Sketchbook Review- Origins

For the origins unit I decided to investigate Chinatown in Manchester. First of all, I went to Chinatown, wandered round and got a feeling for the place. I then took some photos and did some quick sketches of the buildings and the space around me.  Looking back I don’t like these initial sketches as they are very literal and there are not many interesting details in them.  I then found ‘Wing Fat Supermarket’ which was full of amazing looking food and all of the packaging of the tins and cans were very bright and I wanted to see explore thses further and see what was inside of them.

At first I was not keen on starting as I just had a big blank sketchbook which looked too pristine to ruin. But once I started to put pen to paper, I enjoyed adding to the sketchbook and seeing my work develop and exploring more about Chinatown.  I was also not the biggest fan of showing others my work in my tutorials, and it still is my favourite thing to do. But since the first few weeks I have not minded so much showing and talking about my work to the tutorial group.

I much prefer my drawing and research found from the supermarket and food as it much more pattern based and not so literal and it has been easier to apply my drawings to my chosen workshops, hand processes and dye.  I think that the drawing workshops have helped me with this as they have shown me that often the more interesting drawings are when the obvious is not drawn but the unknown is explored, which people often don’t notice at first.  Also the different techniques that we have been taught have inspired to draw in a different way, such as blind drawing and focusing on the negative and positive space.

From looking through my sketchbook, it is clear that I need to add more contextual references and look at the work of other artists working in the same media as me. By doing this it will help inspire my work and show new ways in which I could work, as well as helping to show me what is relevant and on trend at the moment.  From looking at others sketchbook, I would like to add more drawings and markmakings of the work that I have already done to my sketchbook, as well as using a greater range of materials and mediums.