8th December Yayoi Kusama

On Thursday 8^th of December, I continued to generate further artist research through developing understanding and knowledge of the “Kitsch Movement”. By progressing and developing further into this theme, it has allowed me to gain knowledge about new, interesting artists which included Japanese Artist Yayoi Kusama. The artist uses a wide range of media to create her work which includes painting, collage, installations and sculpture. Yayoi Kusamas work emphasises circles and dots through repetition and pattern which can be interpreted as abstract artwork. I discovered the artist through my Pinterest board research through the search title “Kitsch” as the artist’s work can be interpreted as the movement. However, as a Textiles Artist, I was engaged by the artist’s work through the depth, repetition, emphasis and texture of Yayoi patterns of circles and dots. To create artists research I wanted to emphasise each individual pattern used and this was created through choice of materials which included, acrylic paints, Gouache paints and inks. By completing artist’s research, it has allowed me to analyse and develop artist research activity. Also, the task allowed me to interpret research activity to develop ideas and creative proposals for the chosen project and theme. Finally, the task allowed me to select appropriate materials to create Yayoi Kusamas patterns and emphasise colour and repetition within the piece.

Before creating the research board, I found the task difficult as I wanted to demonstrate Yayoi Kusama installation pieces within my work. To solve the problem I decided gain inspiration from the installation pieces and used them as a background to create an effective outcome with the choice of ink and acrylic paint to emphasise the dots within the page. Next, I focused with creating Yayoi Kusamas pumpkin designs as the artist emphasises these sculptures through a variety of colour and depth. To create the piece within the page I decided to use pencil to capture the shadows and tones within the sculpture. Also, by using this material It has allowed me to emphasise the pattern through layering acrylic paint above the design which allowed it to be engaging and eye-catching within the piece. The outcome is presented below.

Artist Research board which includes Installation background and Pumpkins

Pencil outline of Pumpkin with layers of acrylic paint to create the repeated dot pattern.

Next, I am going to continue to complete Yayoi Kusama board and start to develop initial ideas and drawings for my final outcome which will reflect Textiles and the project “Mother and Child”.

Jeff Koons and "Kitsch Movement"

On Wednesday 7^TH of December, I started to obtain artists research and inspiration for the live brief project “Mother and Child” which has been inspired by the development of my theme and previous mood boards within the workshop and independent study. Artist research obtained reflects the theme of my project “seaside” and “fairground” which are important areas of my childhood and reinforce the live brief title and primary research collected for the task “Mother and Child”. Also, the artist research that I have gained reflect on the style and theme of my primary research as it emphasises the main areas I believe are most inspiring. For the focus of my theme I have identified an area which I believe reflects my theme and relates back to my idea for the project which is the seaside town called “Blackpool”. Throughout my childhood, I have visited this resort with my mother and grown up around the seaside whilst visiting family. This is also reflected through my family history as i have collected photographs of my grandparents and great-grandparents visiting the seaside. Around the seaside resort are a wide display of signs, lights and promotions which reflects attractions you can visit and buy. This includes fun fairs, amusements, food and games. The theme can be interpreted and linked to the movement of “Kitsch” which was the main influence and starting point of collecting artist research and inspiration.  The workshop allowed me to use analysis to develop research activity. Also, the task allowed me to interpret research activity to develop ideas and creative proposals for the chosen project and theme. Finally, the task allowed me to select appropriate materials and processes to develop creative solutions for the chosen artist research activity.

Kitsch movement can be described as “art, objects, and designs which can be considered as poor taste but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way”.

To start the task and gain research, I used my Pinterest board and placed the keywords “Kitsch Artist” to discover new artist and movements I have not previously discovered before. Before I started the task, I struggled with collecting research as I unsure about artists within the movement as I didn’t feel confidence and not explored this area before within the course. However, “Pinterest” was inspiring as it allowed me to discover artists within the movement which relates back to my project theme and development. A variety of Artwork and sculptures appeared within my results which came from the artist Jeff Koon’s. After researching further about the artist I discovered that he had a leading role within the “Kitsch Movement” and created a variety of balloon figures and sculptures. This research was useful as these sculptures relate to my theme of “fairground” as they can be seen within the topic and also relates back to my primary research collected previously. Also, the research was useful as it allowed me to relate my artist research to my main topic and area “Blackpool”. After discovering Jeff Koon’s, I visited the library to gain further information and books about his work. Whist looking through the books, I discovered that the artists has also created a series of oil paints which related back to “theme parks” and “characters”. This gave me the confidence to create my artist board from the research provided through “Pinterest” and library books collected. For the background of my board, I decided to keep it simple as I wanted to emphasise the paintings and drawings of each sculpture and pieces I am studying. I decided to focus with creating Jeff Koons “dog balloon” which involved using paints to capture the bold colours and depth detail and shadows within the piece. Before I started the task, I felt less confident as the material is one of my weak areas within art. However, I continued to use them as I wanted to develop my confidence and skill of using the material effectively. The outcome was effective and to finish the piece I used PVA glue to create the shine presentation on display within the book and sculpture. The outcome is presented below.

Jeff Koons Dog Balloon

Next, I am going to complete further drawings and paintings from the artist Jeff Koons and develop my research further to discover “Kitsch Movement” artists.

On Tuesday 6th December, I started to create inspirational mood boards for my live brief project "Mother and Child" which are a series of photographs collected from my independent study. The mood board emphasises my main inspiration collected from primary and second research which will be developed further into my final design and outcome for the project. The board also reflects my interpretation of the theme personally and from the live brief given from the Civic Art Gallery. The task has allowed me to interpret research activity to develop ideas and creative proposals for the chosen live brief "Mother & Child". Also the task has allowed me to use analysis to develop research activity and outcomes for the project. The workshop outcome was successful as it allowed me to generate further ideas from the research collected from my independent study to create a final idea and development path I am wanting to achieve for the live brief outcome. Also, the workshop outcome was successful as it allowed me to analyse my primary research and highlight the areas which I believe will be most inspiring for my project.

Firstly to start the task, I decided to photocopy pages within my sketchbook and old primary photographs collected from my independent study. This allowed me to emphasise the images and pieces which are the most inspiring towards my project. For my theme and interpretation I have decided to research personally though old photographs taken from family holidays and places. I noticed within the images that I have visited Blackpool throughout my childhood with my mum and family which has also been a traditional through generations. This included images taken at Blackpool with my Great Grandmother and Grandma. I found these images inspiring as it reflects my childhood and family through the seaside resort. Also the theme reflects me personally as I have family living in Blackpool and have many memories visiting with my mother and others. This theme has allowed me to develop further ideas and generate further research through collecting images around Blackpool from visiting fairgrounds, theme parks and piers. All the primary images generated along with the theme were taken onto the moodboard where I decided to create a collage of designs. The board also included images taken from different theme parks and family holidays outside of Blackpool as I also find them inspiring for my project. By photocopying images, it has allowed me to create repetition and movement within the piece to emphasise areas which inspire me the most. For my background the collage has been generated through layouts and designs within the images which includes bold colours and strong shapes. The colour scheme has also been inspired by primary research which includes engaging, happy colours which reflects the "seaside" and "family holiday" theme. The moodboard also included sketches and drawings which have been completed and placed within my sketchbook. The outcome of the layout is presented below.

Development of my moodboard

Final Outcome

Next, I am going to create an additional mood board which includes secondary research from my Pinterest Board which explores "fairground" theme and "seaside" theme. I will also start to develop artist research and gain knowledge of artwork which will be inspiring towards my theme and project "Mother and Child".

Knitting

In the Textiles specialised workshop, we continued to gain new skills and techniques through traditional processes which included the method of "knitting". This process is defined as "the act of forming fabric by looping a continuous yarn together with needles and wool". Through the development and skill of the process, patterns can be developed and clothing can be created. Samples of handmade knitting are presented below.

Handmade knitting is a longer process which includes more concentration and skill compared to an industrial machine. I was curious to start the task as I never used the process previously and it was a skill and area I was aiming to achieve. Also, I was curious to complete the task as the method can be a challenge but also enjoyable through different perspectives and opinions. To task the task, I collected a ball of wool and knitting needles and started to cast onto the tool. For the needle, I decided to use a thin tool because it allowed me to gain the skill and develop my confidence with the process. As I develop my confidence with the process I will develop my confidence with using larger knitting needle tools. To start the process I used the technique "cast" to join the wool onto the needle accurately. We were given different methods and processes to allow us to gain the skill individually. I discovered that I gained the skill through demonstration as it allowed me to gain the confidence of working independently and repeating the technique to gain the method required. We were also given videos and hand out instructions but I found them less effective because they were challenging and made the process confusing through my opinion. The instructions were the most challenging as I couldn't gain the technique through word as I am a more practical student. Once I competed the cast process, I started to gain the skill of knitting a simple row with 20 stitches. At first I found the task challenging because I couldn't achieve the process required to complete the stitch. However, as I gained confidence and repeated the process I continued to create the rows required to make the piece. Another problem I faced with the rows was that I wasn't counting the original amount given which allowed me to increase the number to 40 rows. This would make the outcome uneven within the knitting pattern. However, to solve the problem next time I will count the rows effectively and develop my confidence with the technique further.

Throughout the task, health and safety instructions were followed to avoid the risk of injury. Coats and bags were placed away safely to avoid the risk of tripping hazards and injury to others.

Through my specialised workshop task, I will continue to develop my confidence further with the technique and create further knitting samples.



Knitting Sample



Knitting Examples

Handmade Knitting Examples

Final Evaluation

Final Evaluation

For my research for the project the “Natural World” I first visited the Liverpool World Museum to obtain primary research from a range of aspects of nature which included an aquarium, bug house, natural history, fossils, space and cultures across the world. By collecting primary research from a wide aspect of nature, it allowed me to identify areas which inspired me the most and what elements I would like to take further and develop into my project. Also, from my visit to Liverpool I visited the Tate Gallery to explore contemporary artists but also to gain information from pieces of work to relate to the project theme. However, the visit to the Tate Gallery wasn’t useful as I could collect primary research of artworks that linked to my project theme. In the summer holidays I visited Glastonbury Festival where I collected a large amount of primary research and observational drawings from different aspects and areas of the festival. From all of the primary research I collected, I believed that Glastonbury was the most inspiring as it allowed me to interpret the theme differently through protecting the world and the environment around us. This included gaining primary research from Greenpeace which held a theme of protecting the environment from industry, oil companies and government. I also, explored the area called “Green Futures Field” which expanded my knowledge of protecting the environment through recycling and reducing carbon emissions. Throughout the festival, various artists including Joe Rush displayed artwork which linked to the natural world which was inspiring to collect information from as I was learning new ways to protect our environment around us. A big theme that inspired my project whist visiting Glastonbury was the campaigning artwork and graffiti pieces. The campaign artwork featured posters highlighting important issues that are effecting the environment and society in 2016. This was also featured on displays and sculptures throughout the festival and a big topic was the importance of bees and flowers to our environment. I gained information from these displays which had a big impact and influence for my project journey as I followed creating pieces of work around these ideas towards my final samples and visual sheets. Glastonbury Festival allowed me to explore different worlds through imaginative areas that explored societies and sculptures which also had a big impact within my sketchbook. Finally, the festival emphasised the importance of protecting our world through recycling which was presented through displays and stages such as “Arcadia” which was built up from scrap metal to create a giant spider structure. Overall, Glastonbury Festival was the biggest inspiration from my primary research collected over the summer as it also allowed me to understand further the importance of protecting our environment. Next for my primary research, I visited Yorkshire Wildlife Park to gain photographs of a variety of different animals from different environments and habitats. These images included close-up photographs of animal features to landscape photographs of the habitats and different environments. Through the summer holidays, I completed a scheme called NCS which involved visiting the Lake District and Sheffield. I generated observational drawings whilst visiting the Lake District which included capturing caves, quarry mines, villages, cliffs and accommodation gardens. I found collecting observational drawings and photographs from the Lake District Useful as it allowed me to explore different environments and scenery. From my visit to Sheffield, I completed the “Herd Of Sheffield” which was to find a variety of elephant sculptures on display around the city centre. All of the elephants were unique and displayed different artworks which related back to Sheffield’s history and culture. From my holiday to Spain, I collected observational drawings around the coastline and elements within the environment which included palm trees and sea. Also, I collected photographs of the landscapes and further primary research from a visit to a local animal park. I collected primary photographs of exotic birds and aquatic mammals from different environments and habitats. I visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park, to collect artist’s research from a nature exhibition which had a big impact with my further research. Finally, from college we visited Wig Field Farm to gain observational drawings of farm animals and objects. Looking back at summer, I believe that I managed the task well as I collected research when I travelled to different places effectively and use a wide variety of primary research techniques. Also, I believed that I planned my time efficiently throughout the summer to complete the task given. To improve next time I would plan my time more efficiently to complete annotations thoroughly as this was completed at the end of the task which wasn’t useful or helpful for me towards the end of the project. I developed my sketchbook throughout the summer by adding photographs and drawings from places I visited which shows the journey I completed in order throughout the summer holidays. This also demonstrates my influences from each primary research area I collected and what elements I will like to develop further through the project. My sketchbook presents my development and specific areas that inspired me the most to complete the summer task. I developed my mood-boards from my sketchbook pages as I photocopied pages what inspired me the most to create new sheets and present specifically what topics and areas I want to develop further. I struggled to complete my first mood board sheet as I believe that it wasn’t inspiring me enough to be develop further. I developed mood-boards further by creating a second design which was inspired by my flowers research which impacted my development. As well as completing mood-boards I also created artists research. My chosen artists included Johnathan Ashworth, Angie Lewin and Tracey Emin. Jonathan Ashworth was collected from Yorkshire Sculpture Park where I discovered he was a print artist who created pieces around protecting the environment. This artist linked to my work as I was researching into campaigning artwork which was originally developed from my visit to Glastonbury. Angie Lewin was also collected from the Yorkshire Sculpture Park as I gained primary research around her work. The artist is a printmaker who creates artwork inspired from flowers and landscapes. The artist linked to my work because I was also developing ideas specifically from flowers which was demonstrated from my moodboard and research from Glastonbury as I discovered the importance of them. Finally for my artist’s research, I collected information around the artist Tracey Emin where I focused with her Textiles work. The artist relates to my work as she has expressed her opinions and women’s right through campaigning artwork and she has placed lettering onto her designs. This was a topic I was exploring from my Glastonbury research which was campaigning artwork that expresses protecting the environment around us. Also, the artist relates to my work because she has created embroidery pieces which is similar to my work and the specialised workshop for my project which is textiles. All of the chosen artists have influenced my work as I have taken techniques and styles into my own ideas and work to create visual sheets for my own patterns. Also for my artist’s research, I experimented with printing techniques which included lino-cutting and poly-printing. This allowed me to gain samples and experiment with a variety of colours and surfaces. For my design sheets, these were specialised to suit my workshop which was Textiles. Within Textiles, I have gained and experimented with a variety of skills and techniques. I have started to learn how to use a domestic sewing machine, created felt which was developed into needle felting, coated screens, prepared screens, heat transferred fabrics, dyed cotton and exposed designs to be transferred onto screens. For each task, I have experimented with different fabrics, colours, designs and sewing techniques to present my development and knowledge of each process. I will continue to develop these techniques further throughout the course and within my specialised workshop textiles. Screen-printing has influenced me throughout the project as I have gained the knowledge to adapt it in order to create my repeated screen.   Also, needle-felting has influenced me as it was a method I enjoyed creating and I believe I will want to continue to develop my skills further throughout the course. For the visual sheets, I gained inspiration from my moodboards, artist research and sketchbook pages to develop a layout and patterns for my final repeated screen. When creating the patterns I considered keywords in Textiles throughout the task which allowed me to create effective outcomes and designs to be taken into samples and experimentation. The final layout combined the ideas of protecting bees and the importance of flowers which link together perfectly. When creating samples, I used paper and developed my confidence further and used recycled calico, dyed cotton and 1m cotton. To experiment with my samples, I tested each individual screen separately to test colours but also to make screens were accurate. Also, to experiment with samples I combined all the screens together to check if they work together perfectly. Finally, to experiment with samples I explored a variety of colours and materials which included screen-printing paint which was ideal for samples.  All the materials chosen were suitable as the designs worked effectively onto different surfaces and highlighted the pattern and detail of my final repeated screen. When creating the screens I discovered that two out of three were less effective as they didn’t expose well onto the surface of the screen. To solve the problem I used a photocopier to emphasise the tracings which would allow the design to be exposed better onto the screen. This process was repeated twice for the screens as one of them blistered when exposed again. The first sample outcomes from the screens were less effective as the design was unclear and the surface for each layer wasn’t showing the whole designs in colour. However, as I continued to expose screens and develop them the outcomes were improving and my paper samples were ready to be taken into fabric and cotton. I decided to demonstrate that my design is a repeated screen through creating a large scale piece by using 1m cotton. This cotton allowed me to present the colours I have explored and to demonstrate that the print would work effectively repeated equally onto the surface of the design. I also enjoyed creating minute samples of my screens onto my dyed fabrics as I could create and demonstrate each individual design onto different surfaces. To improve next time I would check the measurements of my design layouts as I found it difficult to match the layers together when printing combined. At the start of the project I believe that I planned my time efficiently when collecting research and producing them into my sketchbook pages. However, towards the end of the project I believed that I didn’t manage my time well as I believe that I lost time for experimenting with samples in the last couple of weeks. I will continue to work on managing my time efficiently as I believe it’s an area that I need to improve on. Throughout the project I used my blog effectively, to write about each workshop I have completed and reflect on what skills I have gained through Textiles. To improve my blog, I will start to include videos and hyperlinks that will show me completing tasks but also elements which inspire such as textiles tutorials. Overall, I have enjoyed this project as I have learnt a variety of information from my research process which includes the importance of protecting the environment. I believe that the project has allowed me to interpret and expand the theme effectively as I have explored campaigning to save our natural world. I have gained a variety of skills within textiles which has been adapted into the project and I will continue to develop these skills further throughout the course.  The samples I have created demonstrate my journey and progress through Textiles as I have learnt and developed techniques which have allowed me to complete effective samples towards the end of the project. These experiments allowed me to learn and understand how the techniques are used and how I can improve my prints and outcomes. For example at the start of the project, I discovered that my exposed screens didn’t work effectively when producing outcomes and prints. To solve the problem I created further exposed screens and continued to experiment further which gained effective outcomes and prints. I have used samples that I have collected throughout the project to create prints and outcomes.Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of my samples and prints as it has shown my development and process throughout the project. I believe that nature will always be a strong influence towards my artwork and designing.

Harvard Referencing

Angie Lewin (2016) About My Work [Online] Available from: http://www.angielewin.co.uk/pages/about-my-work {Accessed: 18^th October 2016}

Ashworth, J (2016) Be Gentle [Wood Engraving Print] Available from: http://www.jonathanashworth.com/print_engravings.html {Accessed: 18^th October 2016}

Ashworth, J (2016) Our World [Wood Engraving Print] Available from: http://www.jonathanashworth.com/print_engravings.html {Accessed: 18th October 2016}

Ashworth, J (2016) Save The Polar Bears [Wood Engraving Print] Available from: http://www.jonathanashworth.com/print_engravings.html  {Accessed: 18th October 2016}

Ashworth, J (2016) Wavy Trees One And Wavy Trees Two  [Wood Engraving Print] Available from: http://www.jonathanashworth.com/print_engravings.html {Accessed: 18th October 2016}

Emin, T (2002) But I Never Stopped Loving You [Embroidered Calico] Available from: http://www.traceyeminstudio.com/artworks/2002/01/but-i-never-stopped-loving-you/ {Accessed:18^th October 2016}

Emin, T (2002) Drunk To The Bottom Of My Soul [Embroidered Blanket] Available from: http://www.traceyeminstudio.com/artworks/2002/01/drunk-to-the-bottom-of-my-soul-2002/ {Accessed 18^th October 2016}

Emin, T (2002) True Love [Embroidered Calico] Available from: http://www.traceyeminstudio.com/artworks/2002/01/true-love-2002/ {Accessed:18TH October 2016}

Emin, T (2002) Who The Fuck Are You  [Embroidery On Calico] Available from: http://www.traceyeminstudio.com/artworks/2002/01/who-the-fuck-are-you-2002/ {Accessed:18TH October 2016}

Emin, T (2004) Hate And Power Can Be A Terrible Thing [Textiles,Blanket] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/emin-hate-and-power-can-be-a-terrible-thing-t11891 {Accessed:18^TH October 2016}

Jonathan Ashworth (2016) About [Online] Available from: http://www.jonathanashworth.com/about.html {Accessed: 18th October 2016}

Lewin, A (2016) Cone [Wood Engraving] Available from: http://www.angielewin.co.uk/collections/current-prints/products/cone {Accessed: 18^th October 2016}

Lewin, A (2016) Dandelion Track II [Wood Engraving] Available from: http://www.angielewin.co.uk/collections/current-prints/products/dandelion-track-ii {Accessed:18th October 2016}

Lewin, A (2016) Spanish Seedheads  [Wood Engraving] Available from: http://www.angielewin.co.uk/collections/current-prints/products/spanish-seedheads {Accessed:18th October 2016}

Lewin, A (2016) Stopping By Woods [Wood Engraving] Available from:  http://www.angielewin.co.uk/collections/current-prints/products/stopping-by-woods {Accessed:18^th October 2016}

Tate Gallery (2005) Introduction To Tracey Emin [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/display/bp-spotlight-tracey-emin-and-francis-bacon/emin-introduction#introduction {Accessed:18^th October 2016}

Tracey Emin Studio (2016) Biography [Online] Available from: http://www.traceyeminstudio.com/biography/ {Accessed: 18th October 2016}

UltraLinx. (2016) The Edition- Print Maker Jonathan Ashworth [Online]  Available from: http://theeditionblog.tumblr.com/post/128178592650/printmaker-jonathan-ashworth {Accessed: 18^th October 2016}

Yorkshire Sculpture Park (2014) Angie Lewin: A Natural Line Past Event [Online]  Available from: http://www.ysp.co.uk/exhibitions/angie-lewin-a-natural-line {Accessed: 18^th October 2016}

Print Outcomes

First Print Outcomes




Overall the first print outcomes, are less effective compared to my further developed prints as the screens for the designs weren't successful which effected the appearance of layout. However, the yellow background was effective as it present a strong outcome with areas and outlines which were for the next layer of colour. The second red layer wasn't effective as it presented a faded effect separately and when combined together onto different surfaces. The black outline was less effective as it also presented a faded outlook when presented separately. When the black outline was presented onto the layered surface, it was also less successful as the design was damaged and smudge which impacted the overall design.


Samples

 

These samples are my dyed cottons which I have developed an adapted into my project. I have transferred my black layer onto the minute pieces and explored a variety of patterns from my final design. I am pleased with the outcome of the layer as it is emphasised within the different colours. These samples demonstrate the intricate details and patterns within my design successfully.

 This Print Outcome explores different colours and materials for screen-printing. I used paper inks and I discovered the outcome was successful onto the experiment material paper as it gave strong, bold colours and highlighted each layer perfectly. However, the paper inks didn't blend which dint present the third colour I wanted to achieve which I gained from screen-paints.
 

 Second Print Outcomes





These print outcomes have been created from my second exposed screens and they explore a variety of materials which includes cotton, calico and recycled materials.  I am pleased with the paper outcomes as they have created the bold individual layers and features within my original design. Also, the warm colours have worked effectively and blended together perfectly to create the final orange colour layer. Also with my second layer, I have explored different colour techniques to experiment and compare with my original colour idea. When mixing blue and yellow together it has allowed me to create a green layer which blended and match together perfectly. With my second prints I also explored further fabrics which worked effectively as the design transferred easily and successfully onto different surfaces.

 

This is a large scale print of my piece which has been placed onto 1m length of cotton. I wanted to demonstrate my understanding of a repeated screen and experiment to see if my screen worked successfully onto the surface of the cotton repeating. The outcome of the design works successfully when placed together. However, the piece is less effective as the measurements of the designs are not equal which impacts the design when placed together to create a repeated print.

18th October Screen Printing

On Tuesday 18^th October, I continued to complete further samples and experimentation of my final repeated design screen for my project “Natural World”. This workshop task allowed me to develop my skills I have learnt previously and adapt them in order to create and explore further samples and materials for my Screen-printing design. Also, the workshop task allowed me to continue to produce samples through my developed exposed screens and create a large scale repeated screen piece which includes the material cotton. Finally, the task has allowed me to use my previous cotton dyed samples to create prints of my work onto the surface of the design. When completing the workshop tasks I was curious to use my screens as they didn’t work successfully previously in the task.

To start the task, I collected my new exposed screens and started to create the colours and materials to create my designs. Firstly, I tested each sample individually through the material paper as I have gained confidence with this surface to create the design outcomes. I repeated the same screen-printing processes which revealed my final outcomes. I am pleased with the paper outcomes as they have created the bold individual layers and features within my original design. The screens have transferred intricate details and patterns within my design successfully onto paper. Next, I focused combining all of the layers together to create my final design. To make the layers fit together I used tracing paper to guide my screen to fit the surfaces accurately which was repeated for each outcome. Once the colours were transferred accurately, it revealed the final outcome which was successful. The design layout presents bold, warm colours with the patterns demonstrated accurately within the design. I am pleased with the outcome as it has allowed me to create my final layer colour orange perfectly onto the design. This design outline and colours were repeated onto different surfaces which included cotton and calico which also both gave effective outcomes. To experiment further, I decided to explore different colours which includes the colours blue and yellow. Both of these coloured blended together perfectly to create the colour green which related back to my theme and colour scheme within my visual sheets. To demonstrate my screen can be repeated, I decided to create a large scale cotton piece which explores my experimentation of colours and my design together. The cotton piece was a 1m and it allowed me to create 3 screens across the layout. However, a problem I faced when creating the design was measurements as the repeated pattern and separate designs weren’t accurate which had an impact on the final outcome. My print samples are presented below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next, I am going to continue to complete my large scale repeated screen which will demonstrate my understanding and knowledge of the process completed.

Large Scale Print Outcome.

Devore Printing

Devore Printing is a technique of chemically burning away the natural fibres of mixed fibre and cloth to create a relief effect. To prepare for the task, we collected a variety of materials to experiment with which were all suitable to use with the Devore paste. Also, for the process I collected my black layer screen which incorporated bee outline designs and flower bud outlines which I believe were most suitable and relatable for the process. Before printing onto fabrics, I made sure the area of work was clean and I taped the fabric onto the surface. Within the Devore Fabric, I used velvet fabric which changed the process and method as the fabric has different textures and surfaces compared to the smooth silk fabrics used for the technique. Throughout the task, I followed Health and Safety instructions in order to avoid the risk of injury within the textiles room. Firstly, gloves were worn to  avoid contact with Devore Paste as it is a strong chemical which burns fabrics. Also, an apron was worn to avoid the risk of the paste getting in contact with clothes and fabrics within them. Bags were placed away from the area to avoid the risk of falling and causing a hazard when handling chemicals. Finally, hair was tied back to avoid the risk of getting in contact with chemicals and paste used.

To complete the process, I placed the Devore paste onto the screen just above the image and used a squeegee to blend the paste into the surface of the design. Any excess paste was placed back into the Devore paste to reuse for further prints. Once the paste covered the design, I removed the screen to reveal the image and repeated the process a couple of times to complete my samples. For the velvet, I had to switch the fabric backwards to place the design onto the surface accurately. The screen allowed me to repeat the process a couple of times to experiment with different samples and surfaces. The fabric was left to dry to allow the materials to penetrate the fibres. Once the fabric was dry, I placed the samples into a heat press for 18 seconds at 180c. Next, the fabric was transferred quickly to the sink to remove loose, burnt fibres. Then the fabrics were left to dry naturally again which reveals the final outcome and technique. My samples are presented below.

The Velvet outcome was less effective because the design was unclear on the surface through
the fabric. Also, as the texture of the velvet is different it has effected the outcome and bold
outlines of the design.

This sample was less effective as the screen didn't work effectively to transfer the pattern accurately. Missing patterns and designs are missing within the sheet.

This design has the most effective outcome as the design was transferred successfully onto the material through the depth of lines and outlines of the bees. The materials demonstrates the original screen print design effectively.

Another successful design outline with the same choice of material used previously. However some of the outlines are missed from the transfer of the screen onto the material.



Devore Paste

13th October Experimenting With Screens And Creating Colours

On Thursday 13^th October, I started to create samples and experiments of my screens for my project “Natural World” through exploring different colours and materials. This was the first time exploring my exposed screens and I was curious to experiment with each layer individually but also together to create my final original design layout. I was also curious to explore variety of colours and materials as I wanted to experiment which colours are more effective and blend together perfect. My aim is to create a series of prints which uses 3 colours that emphasise my design layouts and thought process throughout the project. Also, I am wanting to emphasise the intricate details, patterns and layouts I have created within my design layout to be transferred into print outcomes. Also, when creating samples, I have experimented with a variety of materials to evaluate which outcomes are most effective on different surfaces. Also, within the workshop textiles I have continued to develop further skills and techniques which included creating my own screen-print dyes and colours. The task allowed me to explore and work independently to create a variety of colours taken from colour charts. I believe that the skills I have gained will be taken further into the project when creating suitable colours for my project and future elements within Textiles.

To start the task, I decided to use the material paper to capture each individual prints to see if they exposed screens work effectively on the surface. For my colour scheme I decided to use my original layout which has been designed on my previous visual sheets. I gained the colours from the screen-printing dyes and transferred them across the screen evenly. I placed the squeegee blade onto the surface and covered the screen completely with the chosen colours. Once I removed the screens it revealed the transferred layout and I repeated this process several times with my screens. When observing the outcomes of my screen-prints I recognised a problem with two of my screens. I noticed that the designs didn’t show up effectively onto the paper which I discovered that it was my screen exposed designs. This was a problem as it didn’t show the intricate details and emphasised areas within the design I wanted to be displayed onto my outcomes.  Also, this impacted all of the designs together as it gave a less effective outcome when the colours are combined together which led to the outlines being irregular on the surface. To solve the problem, I am going to be exposing my screen again and I am going to complete this through photocopying my tracings to make the black outlines darker and emphasised. This will allow the outcome to be better for exposing and I will continue to complete further experimentations and samples.

Final outcome of my background has worked effectively as it has created a
a bold colour which emphasises the areas that are going to be layered next.

The second screen wasn't effective as the designs haven't shown through the screen which has left areas that are blank
and uneven within the layout. The design layout is not effective within the Bee pattern as the background should be covered with red to mix together to create an orange background.

The final layer is not effective as it the design looks patchy and faded within the surface of the paper.
The outline doesn't emphasise the intricate details, patterns and shapes within the design which is the most
important layer to complete the outcome of the design.

This is all of the screens combined together to create a final outcome. I am not pleased with the appearance of this
design as the outlines look uneven and blurred within the pattern. The black outline has the biggest impact as the
screen has bled onto the surface which has given a messy and rushed outcome of the design. Some areas are faded within the design which impacts the appearance as the background is demonstrated through.

Screen Print Process

 Also, whilst completing the specialised workshop task, I have gained the skills and techniques for creating my own screen-print dye colours. I discovered that the process was easily to complete and we were given tasks to work independently to create colour charts. Throughout the task we followed health and safety instructions in order to avoid the risk of injury. When using the dyes, gloves were worn to avoid the risk of contact to the skin as it stains easily on surfaces. Also, an apron was worn to avoid the risk of clothes getting stained from the dyes we were creating. These instructions were followed throughout the task. To complete, the task, we collected binder which was a screen-print substance that mixes with dyes to create colourful outcomes. Next, I collected dyes and gained the tiniest amount of the substance to create the colours I wanted to achieve. If more dye was collected it would create a darker colour and appearance when mixed together to create the screen-print dyes. For the task, we were given colour charts and we had to create a variety of colours to gain confidence creating them and working independently. I enjoyed the task It allowed me to gain confidence with creating dyes and creating specific mixed colours within charts. I will continue to use this process further throughout the project.

Screen Print Paste

Final Outcome Of Paint

12th October Exposing My Screen And Dying Fabrics

On Wednesday 12^th October, I continued to complete my tracing design layers for my final repeated design screen for the project "Natural World".The tracings were created through separate layers and exposed in the textiles workshop to create the final screens ready to be printed onto. My final design layouts have been inspired and collected from my research, mood board, artist research and visual sheets. The task allowed me to develop my final designs through tracing and emphasising the areas required for the screen to work correctly with the chosen colours. Also, the task allowed me to develop my skills and understanding of exposing screens for printing within the textiles workshop. It has allowed me to gain confidence and work independently to create my final screens accurately and demonstrating each layer. The outcome of the workshop is to combine all the screens together to create one final print which shows all the individual colours accurately but also complementing each other on different surfaces and samples. Also, within the workshop textiles I have continued to develop further skills and techniques which included dying fabrics onto cotton. Throughout the task, I have gained minute samples and experimented with different colours and tones through the chosen material cotton. The overall task has allowed me to gain further knowledge in textiles through completing samples and experiments for the project "natural world".

To complete my tracings, I continued to use black pen to highlight all the areas of the design which I wanted the paint to be transferred onto. A problem, I faced with completing the layout was that light was still coming through the design which would affect the screen when exposed. To solve the problem, I used a china marker to cover the areas required which contributed to covering the outlines better on the surface. Once completing all of the layers, I transferred the tracing paper into the textiles room to be exposed onto screens. Whilst, in the textiles room I gained knowledge and skills of the method exposing screens. To start the task, I collected my coated screens which I completed previously in the textiles class and placed them into the vacuum form machine with my tracing paper faced down. After placing the elements into the machine I used the air condition to remove the air away from the screens to transfer the designs together. Next, I pressed the exposing machine which used light to transfer the tracing onto the surface of the design. Once the process was completed, I placed the screen into the wash room and used the jet wash to remove excess coating to reveal the design. Once the screen was completed I placed the screen into the light to see if the design was transferred through and once they were successful I placed them into the drying cupboard. I repeated the process twice to complete my individual layers and screens.

Exposing Screen

Outcome of Exposing Screen

My prepared screen ready to be exposed

Outcome of my exposed screen

My tracing outcome of my bee design

Whilst in the Textiles room, I completed another technique which was dying fabric onto cotton. I experimented with a variety of colours and shades onto minute samples of cotton and I will continue to develop these samples further into my project outcomes. I was curious to explore the task I haven’t used this process before and I believed it will inspire me for future projects and developments within Textiles. Whilst handling chemicals and dyes, I followed health and safety instructions throughout the task to avoid the risk of injury when using them. Firstly, gloves were worn to avoid contact when handling and painting the cotton. Also, aprons were used to avoid the chemicals getting into contact with clothes and skin. Finally, hair was tied back to avoid the risk of chemicals damaging hair. These instructions were maintained throughout the task. To transfer the dye onto the fabric I used a paint brush to cover the whole area of the fabric. To experiment with the samples I used a variety of colours to identify what dyes I can use for further projects and within textiles. All the dyed samples will be developed into my project as I will be creating screen-prints onto the surfaces.

Cotton Samples ready to be dyed

Final Outcomes

Final Sample Outcomes

Dyed Outcomes