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.

My Dog....

Here is my dog I made for the summer project using maps and fabric.

Statement of Work

In my digital portfolio I have included a variety of recent work that I have carried out on my foundation course this year.  I have enjoyed exploring a variety of disciplines including printed textiles, illustration and ceramics, as it has allowed me to discover and experience new ways of working creatively. I have shown this in the photographs of my sketchbooks, worksheets and final pieces. I have especially enjoyed the printed textiles aspect of the course as it is such a diverse discipline and I would like to have the chance to learn about the many different elements of this broad subject, which I hope to achieve by studying on a degree course.

I particularly enjoy the ‘making’ aspect of my work as this gives me the chance to experiment and develop ideas for projects, as well as being able to see my ideas and designs come to life. My ideas and inspirations for my projects come from many aspects in life, including other designers work and observations of everyday life and the world around me. I have found Selvedge magazine very interesting with its broad range of designers and artists in the magazine, such as the recent article on Donna Wilson, as well as inspiring photography to accompany the articles.  

While I was travelling in South America last year, the bold bright colours of the architecture and the elaborate traditional costumes of Peru and Bolivia really caught my eye and this made me realise that I definitely wanted to be involved in the creative industry. Since starting my foundation course I have loved being able to explore colour, pattern and design and I would like to further this interest of mine.

Sketchbook Development

A picture from my sketchbook made using a variety of fabrics inlcuding linen, felt and lace. I have added extra detail using paper and machine stitching. This was my initial research for my artists book.

More sketchbook development...

A page from my sketchbook showing development for my own version of a family tree.

My Family Tree

My final piece for a project representing my family in my own version of a family tree. The longer the thread, the older the member of family. Each tag has each persons name and date of birth, either on a little luggage tag or a little envelope containing a miniture birth card.

Printed Textiles- Cutlery Project

Initial designs of a textiles project I am working on at the moment, based upon the theme of cutlery. I will screen print this design and other designs to produce a range of fabric samples.

Drawing- Mark Making

A section of a drawing worksheet, exploring different methods of mark making using a variety of mediums, including charcoal, ink and wax.