9th February Research and Project Proposal

On Thursday 9^th Of February I started to generate research resources and confidence to create section 1 and section 2 of my draft proposal. The workshop task was useful as it allowed me to continue to generate draft proposals for each section of my project and also identify the areas I am going to explore and which research I will be obtaining to support my final major project. It has allowed me to generate research resources and confidence to complete the draft proposals but also emphasise the skills and techniques I have achieved throughout the year of the course. It has allowed me to identify my passion for Textiles and what I achieved throughout the year through skills including knitting, embroidery, screen-printing and felt-making. The drafts highlights the techniques I have gained and what I am wanting to achieve within the future. I have included my passion for surface designing and my career aim to achieve this and design fabrics and wallpapers. Also, I have included my interests for protecting the environment and campaign artwork which has been very influential towards my work and an area I have gained strength within the course. The workshop task has allowed me to use critical and contextual perspectives to prepare and organise for my project proposal. For section 1, I have described my growth of Textiles and passion as a child completing Arts & Crafts techniques through my hobby of Girl Guides. Also within my draft, I have listed materials I have experimented with and the techniques through screen-printing such as Devore and Puff-Binder.  I have also expressed my development of the course through have previous knowledge of embroidery and adapting this further into my project work. Once I completed my draft, I started to complete section 2 which describes my project proposal, theme and what I am aiming to achieve. To obtain, research I visited the library to discover artists that explore my theme of Industry and Justice. I have decided to include “Justice” as I have a previous passion for campaign artwork and I wanted to expand my interest further within the project. I also used Pinterest, to achieve artist knowledge and local exhibitions. I discovered the works of Jamie Reed which was a artist involved in the Punk generation which expanded my knowledge to look into this movement for my project. I obtained books exploring this theme and cover artwork from bands and artists which contributes to my interest for music. Whilst, researching through Pinterest I discovered campaign artists including the works of Peter Kennard and Anthony Burrill. Also, through my research in the library I discovered a New York artist called Keith Harling who has created graffiti, campaign artwork which contributes to my visit to the city for further research.  I am going to expand my knowledge further of the works of Tracey Emin and Grayson Perry who focuses works around current topics and society. Previously, I have knowledge of Grayson Perry’s work through a documentary around the subject of “men” and included an episode exploring the subject of industry and working class which will be influential towards my work. Once I obtained research, I started to draft my second section of my project proposal which describes my theme and what I am aiming to achieve. I have highlighted why I have chosen to explore this theme through my previous passion and history through my family of coal-miners who were impacted within the strike movement. Also, I have highlighted my interest through global industry and how the city of New York will be inspirational towards my work. Finally, I have drafted my final outcome of the project and what I am aiming to achieve through Textiles to achieve a final piece. Overall, the workshop was useful as it has allowed me to identify my passion for Textiles, interests and what I am aiming to achieve for the project. Next, I am going to complete section 3 of my draft final project proposal.

Wednesday 8th February Intoduction To Final Major Project

On Wednesday 8th of February, we were introduced to Unit 13 Final Major Project through a presentation and workshop tasks. The information provided was inspiring as it progressed to drafting our project proposals and the route we are taking for the task. It has allowed us to think about the primary research we will be taking, exhibitions we will be visiting and thinking about the outcomes of the final project. The presentation allowed us to identify our target goals and what we are aiming to achieve. We were given booklets that highlighted the grading criteria and I am aiming to achieve a Distinction as my goal for the project and Extended Diploma. The task has allowed us to use critical and contextual perspectives to prepare for the project proposal. Also, the task has allowed us to  use analysis and evaluation to prepare and organise my project proposal.

For the presentation we were given elements and influential words that would inspire us to develop an idea for the project and identified a key topic that I be that I can interpret effectively which is "Industry". This specific topic has got me thinking about industry elements around the local community which is also a personal subject to me. As I have family who worked in the coal mining industry I find this very inspiring as it's a personal subject to me and I also find it interesting to see the impact on the local community. Also with the theme, I have also thought about industry outside the local community which includes Glassworks in Barnsley and Steelworks in Sheffield. I believe that I will be able to generate a large amount of primary research for the project with this subject but also I believe that I will enjoy the project as I find it interesting and personal to develop further. Within the topic, I will also be able to generate ideas further globally by researching into industry with my visit to New York next week as it an influential area known for the "economic boom" and mass production. I am aiming to achieve primary research and observational drawings of the area whilst visiting the city. By completing this presentation it has allowed me to gain inspirational and confidence towards the project. After the presentation was completed I started to generate further ideas towards the project as I was struggling to connect artist research and contextual studies into my project idea. Whilst researching into the local community I discovered the Minors Strike which has a major impact through the area but also my family. This allowed me to generate artists who looked into campaigning artwork and society. I gained inspiration from my Pinterest board and discovered political artists including Peter Kennard, Anthony Burrill and Jamie Reid . Also whilst looking through artists I discovered exhibitions which are hosting artworks I am wanting to research further which includes Andy Warhol at the Whitworth Gallery and Grayson Perry at the Graves Gallery in Sheffield. These are inspiring towards my project and influential as both of these artists look into subjects around society and politics. By combining these elements subjects together I believe that I will have an interesting subject to explore and it will allow me to expand my ideas and generate further inspiration. By completing research it has allowed me to draft and generate points for my Project Proposal Section 1 and 2.

 

Next, I will be generating further ideas and research resource to build up my bibliography. Also I will be completing my final outcomes for section 1 and 2 of my proposal which have been drafted within the workshop task.

Costing Sheet

Costing Sheet

·         Glue Sticks 3x Poundland- £3

·         Ring Folder- £2.00

·         Plastic Wallets packet of 30- £2.00

·         Art Kit taken from Barnsley College- £75

·         Acrylic Paints- £3

·         Paint Brushes- £2.50

·         Coloured Card- £1.00

·         Shading Pencils- £2.00

·         Illustration Pens pack of 3- £2.50

·         White pen- £1.00

·         Buttons- 50p

·         Sharpie Pen Set- £9.00

·         Fabric for Decoration- £2.50

·         Reprographics Photocopying- £3.50

·         16x A4 Samples Of Pillow Cotton- £3.20

·         14x A4 Samples Calico Heavy- £3.50

·         2x A4 Samples- £2.00

·         2x Habotai Silk Heavy- £2.00

·         1X Devore Satin- 80p

·         2X Discharge Chiffon- 50p

·         Yellow Embroidery thread- £1.20

·         1x Pillow Cotton half a metre- £1.00

·         1x Calico Medium half a metre- £1.20

·         2x Luggage Tags- £2.00

·         2x wooden pieces shaped in miniature objects and characters- £1.00

·         Acrylic White Paint- £1

·         Photographs printed from Camera- £4.00

·         3X Miniature Cross-stitching kits- £1.50

·         Embroidery Threads- £1.00

·         A5 miniature sketchbook for Observational Drawings £2.00

·         2X Tissue Paper- £2.00

·         Metallic Gold Paint- £1.50

 

 

 

Total Amount- £142.90

Final Evaluation

Final Evaluation

Firstly, for the live brief project “Mother & Child” I researched into family photographs exploring the connection personally between my me and my Mother. I struggled at the start of the project to achieve a theme as I was unsure how I was going to interpret the project personally to be developed further into primary, secondary and contextual studies. However, I discovered a variety of photographs taken from family holidays which included trips to Blackpool and amusements such as Disneyland Paris and Pleasure Beach. I have a strong connection between Blackpool as I have family who live there which makes it a personal place of where I grew up as a child and the relationship I have with the resort with my Mum up to the present day. Also, the resort is personal to my Mum as she also visited the resort growing up as a child with my Grandma and Grandad. This was a big impact towards my inspiration for the project as it allowed me to expand my ideas further which lead to a detailed mind map of areas that I researched into. These photos were especially inspiring as it was fascinating to explore how amusements and Blackpool has developed over the years but still continues to include similar attractions and advertisements which are appealing towards families. From my researched obtained from family holiday photographs, this allowed me to expand my ideas and develop an idea of looking towards the theme of seaside resorts and fairground attractions. For my primary research, I collected previous images taken at Glastonbury Festival which explored the “Kidz Field” that allowed you to explore your imagination through sculptures, shows and characters. The area allowed you to relive your childhood and explore dreams that appealed to everyone. This was an inspiring area within my sketchbook as it explored a different aspect of “Mother and Child” exploring dreams and specifically childhood. However, it connected to my theme as it resembled childhood which is a major theme running through my family photographs and development into seaside resorts. Also, this research was useful as it included attractions within the “Kidz Field” and “Circus Field” which was fairground rides. The fairground rides included a giant “Helter Skelter” which was an important feature for me as it followed the theme of amusements but also a sense of childhood as it is an exciting attraction to explore and experience. Glastonbury research also appealed to adults personally as it allowed you to interact with characters which were presented in my sketchbook but also thinking about positivity with quotes including “pretending to be an aeroplane is permitted in this area”. The primary research obtained from the festival had a major impact and influence within my work. Also, for my primary research I visited Leeds and Manchester Christmas market to observe amusements and attractions around the area. This included observing fairground games, dodgems and carousels which were interesting to observe. I was inspired by my colour schemes around these attractions and I was pleased with the outcomes within my sketchbook. I continued to use research taken from my family photographs as they were a main inspiration and starting point towards my project. This included portrait photographs of my family taken from weddings and special occasions. These are my favourite pieces within my sketchbook as it has allowed me to develop my confidence of portrait drawing to capture family members including my Grandma which is very personal and an achievement for me. Family photographs also included pets, Blackpool, Scarborough, Disneyland Paris and theme parks which all contributed to my personal develop of the project and understanding of theme. It has also allowed me to learn about my family history and the places we have visited when I was a child. At Christmas, I went to Blackpool to visit family which was a perfect opportunity to collect photographs around the resort and to compare them to family photographs taken previously. For my primary research, I collected photos on the sea front which incorporated Blackpool Illuminations, Blackpool Tower, advertisements and Food Stalls. I also visited amusements to capture games, prizes and traditional machines including a “Fortune Teller”. It was interesting to see a different perspective of Blackpool as well which was a dull and tasteless areas compared to positive photographs from family holidays. Finally for my primary research, I visited the Civic Gallery to visit Sam Shendis “Mother & Child” exhibition to observe the artist’s work and gain observational drawings. From visiting the gallery it allowed me to understand the artist’s work in depth detail and how the colour “blue” was used within his work to present a struggle that mothers face raising a child. Photographs were taken from the exhibition but also observational drawings which included techniques quick sketching and continuous line drawing to build up textures and the minimal shapes. The “tasteless” inspiration taken from “Blackpool” was also incorporated into my artist research which explored the “kitsch movement” and specifically the artist Jeff Koons. The artist has produced a variety of large scale sculptures exploring balloons and cartoon characters which is similar to pieces found at Blackpool within shops and amusements. The artist has had a big influence within my work as I have taken inspiration from balloon characters and toys to be developed into my own prints and layouts. Also, the artist has had an influence through my work as he gave me the inspiration to create a mind map of photographs that were objects I found to be “Kitsch”.  Finally, the artist has had a big influence throughout my work as he gave me the confidence to use bold, striking colour to impact my work and make specific pieces stand out. Also, for my artist research I obtained information around the artist Yayoi Kusama who is an abstract artist that creates artworks with a repeated pattern of dots. At first I disliked the artist with the choice of colour schemes but I have continued to research further I found her work inspiring around defining infinity with beautiful installations. The repeated dot pattern had an influence towards my work as I incorporates repeated patterns and used the pattern to build texture within my design work. Also, the artist was inspiring towards me experimenting with bright, striking bold colours for my visual sheets and experimentations. After discussing with the curator at the Civic, I researched the photographer Martin Parr who captures society in a humorous and irregular way through perspectives. This included a collection Martin Parr created around Seaside resorts and Benidorm which was inspiring me to observe the photographers perception of the places. The emphasis of bold colours and strange perspectives was inspiring to me and influenced my work for colour schemes and layouts. Finally for my artist research, I looked into Textiles artists which included Jo Butcher and Shelia Hicks. Jo Butcher is an embroidery artist who creates delicate intricate patterns based around the countryside and nature. This was not influential towards my work but gave me the confidence to develop my embroidery skills further. Shelia Hicks is a weave artist who creates large installation which was also not influential towards my final outcome but gave the confidence to experiment with weaving through the artist but also my own samples.  To develop from my research I created moodboards which incorporated secondary research from my Pinterest moodboard of “Fairgrounds”. This allowed me to identify which areas are most inspiring to be developed further into the project but also continuing to use artists influence. I identified that Blackpool would be most important area towards my development as I achieved most research from the resort and I have knowledge about the area too. To develop my research into my visual sheets I collected specific areas I found most inspiring in my sketchbook to be transferred and created into my own surface design patterns. Through both design sheets I collected inspiration from food and drinks found around Blackpool as it was striking and appealing to me when collecting research. I also collected elements I found iconic when collecting research which included donkeys, sandcastles and horses which are found around seaside attractions. This would allow my piece to be more understandable for the client to connect to the final piece. Also, for my development towards my visual sheets I also created patterns which explored imagination and dreams that included mermaids, spacemen, tea cup rides and helter skelters. All of these designs I believe will connect to both generations of mother and child but also clients visiting the gallery. I wanted to create a piece that everyone visiting the Civic Gallery would understand but also allow them to think about memories of visiting seaside resorts and fairgrounds. Throughout the development I considered the elements of textiles which also made my initial designs unique and individual. As I wanted the final outcome to be a repeated pattern I considered this requirement throughout my design process and creating the layouts of my visual sheets. The layouts of my visual sheet were inspired by a triangle shape obtained from a carousel ride collected from my family photographs and a circle shape inspired by “Yayoi Kusamas” work. Inspiration from artists have been included within my visual sheet and development process. When discussing with the client about my work, I developed and expanded my artist research to explore the photographers work Martin Parr as he suggested it would be inspiring for me and the theme of the project. I was pleased that the client suggested this artist as I enjoyed researching about his work and observing how it demonstrates society through humour and a variety of perspectives. The client developed my understanding of my theme further through this suggestion and I was pleased with the outcome. It allowed me to gain the confidence to talk about my work and progress to the client which achieved positive feedback and an interest for my design work and project outcome. The client didn’t not change or takeaway a part of my design but gave me a restraint which I followed throughout my design process. For my constraint, the client told the studio that we couldn’t use colour “blue” in our design process and final outcome of the design. This colour was chosen as the artist Sam Shendi used the colour blue to emphasise the struggle and area that the mothers faced with children. This did have an impact on my design as I used the colour and a scheme through my moodbaord as it associated with the Colour Sea and elements around seaside towns. This did have a big impact as I realised that the colour blue was featured several times within my sketchbook pages and colour schemes. However, for the design process I followed the restraint throughout the task and allowed me to consider my colour schemes in further detail and experiment with different tones. As the colour blue is familiar around seaside’s it allowed me to look back into my sketchbook and primary images to discover different colours that are frequent and inspiring for my scheme and theme. I never worked against the client’s requirements as I wanted to gain the experience for working within industry and learning how to adapt to restrictions required. Personally, I work better with clients as I enjoy being set challenging and adapting my ideas in order to suit the requirements and deadlines needed. If I didn’t have no client constraints I would most likely have used the colour blue as it a big influence within my work and suits the final chosen colour scheme for the final piece. I believe that I would have used the colour through my samples and experimentation for the project but I followed the requirements in order to fit the live brief. Another constraint was the size requirements which didn’t impact me as my design layout could be adapted to fit any sizes and be repeated if a large scale piece was to be produced. I would of used the same samples and fabrics used within my experimentation process and the finish of my digital print as it gains a professional appearance with a protective and glossy finish. The type of customer did influence my design as I previously asked the client who was the target audience which was everyone. I wanted to create a design which appealed to all audiences and especially children as it reflects imagination dreams and excitement with the positive colours and layouts presented. I also want the older generation and adults to see my final piece and allowed them to think about family holidays and visits to amusement parks. By the target audience being varied the customer did influence my design to some aspects but also giving me the freedom to create my own designs reflecting my research but continuing to follow the client’s requirements. Whilst experimenting with my final design with samples, I faced a problem with the expose of my screen and layers. Firstly, my first outcome was less effective as the measurements weren’t accurate causing the design not to fit accurately onto the surface to achieve an effective 3 layers. However, each separate design was effective which allowed me to generate samples and experimentations. To solve the problem I went back to my tracings and connected them accurately to be transferred back onto the expose machine. As the layout was a circular shape, it caused problems with measurements with my tracings but I solved the problem and created an accurate outcome. Sadly as I exposed the screens they didn’t achieve an effective result through blistering and blocked outcomes. Also, the jet wash took away the small intricate details which had a major impact on the design and damaging the layout and appearance. I repeated the process 6 times but it didn’t achieve success. To solve the problem I transferred my design layout to a digital print which I have previously used within my past project. This was positive problem solving as it allowed me to transfer the design onto fabrics and high quality papers with excellent finishes. I felt frustrated with the exposure of my screens but it worked out effectively to create a good quality digital print that can be transferred onto a variety of fabrics easily if the client requires more samples.  To achieve the digital print, I placed each individual tracing under the scanner to the transferred onto the computer to be fitted together to create the layout. This was repeated for all 3 layers of my design outcome and they were combined together to create a final piece. As the design was for a gallery, I printed the digital outcome onto a paper print with a glossy finish to protect the design from damaging. The size is A2 which is suitable for the gallery as it can be transported easily and be placed into a frame if required. The digital print is also suitable for a gallery as it can be repeated multiple times, change in scale and can be adapted to be fitted onto different fabrics and paper surfaces. For the processes of my project I used a variety of traditional and machine Textiles techniques in order to create a variety of samples which explore my designs and colour schemes. As my final screen was not successful, I was worried about creating samples for the project that explore my design themes and layouts. To solve the problem I used miniature screens and transferred two on my designs with all 3 layers for sampling. This was an effective process as it allowed me to create a variety of large produced miniature samples exploring my theme and colour scheme. For my experimentation within screen-printing I explored how the colour schemes appear on different materials. This included experimenting with Calico, Cotton Azeta and Habotai. For my final chosen colour scheme I decided to have pink, purple and white as these harmonious colours capture each design section well and complement each other effectively. They have been inspired from colours taken in my visual sheet and sketchbooks.  For experimenting I focused with transferring this colour scheme onto different surfaces and discovered that cotton was the most effective. The design didn’t show well on Calico but worked effectively with other colour schemes including “purple,red,black” and “yellow, red, black” “yellow,black,white”. From my screen-samples I developed my skills further and used puff binder to create texture. This emphasised particular areas and developed texture through mixing colours together. However, puff binder would only work with one layer which is less effective. Next, I used puff binder to experiment with Azeta which is a black material that emphasised the design layouts well. Also, within the Textiles workshop I used Devore which wasn’t successful as I couldn’t remove the excess chemicals causing the fabric to stain. I also dyed fabrics which was interesting to create as it allowed me to experiment with colour choices and how the screens were layered. Batik was also used to create further samples through free-hand drawings of my designs and I continued to develop my confidence with a sewing machine using lettering and patterns. Through this task I have developed my skills with hand knitting which is a skill I have been learning since the start of the year. I used my colour scheme for inspiration and worked independently to join colours together to create a giant sample. I was very pleased with this outcome and will continue to knit within Textiles. Next, I used my samples taken from screen-printing and worked back into them through the build-up of metallic threads and traditional threads. This emphasised characters and make the screen outcomes more effective. I generated a sample on the knitting machine which allowed me to continue to experiment with my colour scheme and problem solve regrading thickness of wool. Finally, I created weaving samples which allowed me to experiment with developing my own patterns through weaving a variety of colours together, creating a repeated pattern ad continuing with my choice of colour scheme and outcomes. I decided to create this final outcome for the project, as I wanted to develop my skills further within surface designing as it is an area what I am wanting to achieve in the future as a career. I am wanting to specialise at within this area of Textiles and gain the skills that I am wanting to develop further at University and the future. The final outcome gives me a sense of independence through exposing screens, coating screens and using a variety of techniques within this element.  Throughout the project I believe that I have managed my time well within the studio and specialised workshops as I have worked towards the client’s deadline and the set weeks provided on the live brief. This brief has allowed me to keep on track each week so that I can create and experiment with samples before moving onto my final piece. I have balanced my time well between the specialised workshop and independent student and caught up with work in my own time. I have also been coming in extra which has been useful to generate further samples with the equipment provided at college. Personally, I haven’t done my time management diary accurately as I have misplaced sheets and left them at home when going to college. I am going to improve on this area within the next project and set myself tasks as I have discovered that has worked well for the live brief. However, I have completed my time management sheets with set targets that I have completed outside of college and in my independent study. I have maintained my blog well throughout the project highlighting skills I have achieved in the specialised workshop areas and reviewing my gallery visit to the “Sam Shendi Mother & Child” exhibition at the Civic Gallery. It has allowed me to express my opinions further through my blogs in this project and I am going to continue to write reviews around gallery visits. To improve my blogs I am going to incorporate more videos and images of myself completing workshops tasks.  Overall, I am pleased with my experience of working with someone out of college to complete a live brief. Personally, I believe that it work better for clients and companies because I can interpret themes well and consider requirements and restraints in order to fit the task and brief. It has given me the confidence to ask for requirements and talk about my work personally and my thought processes. The positive feedback has inspired me to develop my theme further to create the final outcome but also gain new knowledge from learning about designers and artists from recommendations. I have enjoyed working towards a live brief and client and I believe that I will continue to develop this skill in the future as a career working in industry. Overall, I have enjoyed this project as it has allowed me to look into a new theme and adaptation of a task given. I am pleased with how I have adapted the theme to suit my personality, interests and thought processes. It has given me the confidence especially within portrait drawings and has allowed me to continue to develop skills within the Textiles environment. My strengths have been Textiles sampling as it has been an area I have needed to improve on and I believe that I have achieved this .

Harvard Referencing & Bibliography

 

 

 

 

 

[Accessed: 1st February 2017]

[Accessed: 6th January 2017]

BBC (2014) Genius Of Photography [Online] Available from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/photography/genius/gallery/parr.shtml [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Butcher, Jo (2016) About Jo Butcher [Online] Available from: http://jobutcher.co.uk/index.php/about-jo-butcher [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Fif 1. (Unknown) Fairground [Image] Available from: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/144396731783233638/ [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1 (2008) Yayoi Kusama, Infinity Mirrored Room - Gleaming Lights of the Souls [Image] Available from: https://www.victoria-miro.com/news/483 [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2009) Yayoi Kusama Flowers That Bloom at Midnight [Image] Available from: http://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/may-30-2009--yayoi-kusama/exhibition-images [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2009) Yayoi Kusama Flowers That Bloom at Midnight L1 [Image] Available from: http://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/may-30-2009--yayoi-kusama/exhibition-images [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2016) Fennel on Linen [Image] Available from: http://jobutcher.co.uk/index.php/gallery-2/gallery/seedheads [Accessed 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2016) WT03 [Image] Available from: http://jobutcher.co.uk/index.php/gallery-2/gallery/trees [Accessed 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2016) Yayoi Kusama Chandelier of Grief [Image] Available from: https://www.victoria-miro.com/exhibitions/491/works/image_custom2142/  [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2016) Yayoi Kusama Pumpkin (L) [Image] Available from: https://www.victoria-miro.com/exhibitions/491/works/image_custom2146/[Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Fig 1 (2016) Yayoi Kusama The Eternal Love I Have For Pumpkins [Image] Available from: https://www.victoria-miro.com/exhibitions/491/works/image_custom2142/ [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Fig 1. (2002) Try a 99 [Tin Sign] Available from: http://www.popartuk.com/food-and-drink/try-a-99-10064-tin-sign.asp  [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2007) Glasgow Merry-Go-Round Fairground Ride [Image] Available from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/semi-detached/2073716791/in/photostream/ [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2009) Carnival (Explored) [Image] Available from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/21654792@N03/3321646100/ [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2011) A 50’S Wedding Coconut Stall [image] Available from: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/144396731783238365/  [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2012) Carnival Photograph [Canvas] Available from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/130141004/carnival-photograph-fair-rides-colorful?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=fair+nursery [Accessed: 6^th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2012) San Diego Fair [Image] Available from: http://www.happymundane.com/2012/07/mundane-aesthetic-weekend-moments-7-1-12/

Fig 1. (2012) Taylors Waltzers [Image] Available from: http://dogsanddice.co.uk/ [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2012) Unknown [Image] Available from: http://www.coolplaces.co.uk/blog/2012/9/8/53-blackpool-illuminations [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2013) Candy Apples- Fairground Special [Image] Available from: http://www.equilter.com/product/215918/pinot-noir-party-black [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2014) A sweet seaside treat [image] Available from: http://www.boden.co.uk/pressoffice/collections/ss14/collections_womens.asp# [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2015) Unknown [Image] Available from: http://muymolon.com/cosas-molonas/obsesion-actual-los-globos/ [Accessed: 6^th January 2017]

Fig 1. (2016) Mistletoe Heart [Image] Available from: http://jobutcher.co.uk/index.php/gallery-2/gallery/hearts [Accessed 1st February 2017]

Fig 1. (2016) RT02 [Image] Available from: http://jobutcher.co.uk/index.php/gallery-2/gallery/topiary [Accessed 1st February 2017]

Fig 1. (Unknown) Circus/Carnival/ Masquerade [print] Available from: https://www.etsy.com/listing/124508736/carrousel-italy-tuscany-circus-art-fine [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Fig 1. (Unknown) Life is like a carousel [Image] Available from: https://uk.pinterest.com/pin/144396731783233673/ [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Koons, J. (2000) Jeff Koons Easy Fun-Ethereal. Germany: Cantz Guggenheim Foundation Berlin

Newman, K (2015) Red & Blue [image]  Available from: http://www.bridesmagazine.co.uk/real-life-weddings/vintage-fairground-theme-wedding-pictures/gallery#!photo21 [Accessed: 6th January 2017]

Schiaparelli, E. (1937) House Of Schiaparelli Blouse [image] Available from: http://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/105730?pos=243&rpp=30&pg=9&ao=on&ft=schiaparelli&imgno=1&tabname=object-information [Accessed: 6^th January 2017]

Shelia Hicks (2017) Biography [Online] Available from: http://www.sheilahicks.com/bio.html

Shelia Hicks (2017) Photos [Online] Available from: http://www.sheilahicks.com/index.html [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Tate Gallery (2017) Martin Parr Biography [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/martin-parr-2750 [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Tate Modern (2012) Yayoi Kusama Exhibition [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/yayoi-kusama [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Taylor, R Tate Gallery (2012)  Kusama and Self-obliteration [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/kusama-and-self-obliteration [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Taylor, R Tate Gallery (2012) Kusama and infinity [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/kusama-and-infinity [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Taylor, R Tate Gallery (2012) Yayoi Kusama at Tate Modern open this week [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/yayoi-kusama-tate-modern-open-week [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Taylor, R. Tate Gallery (2012) Excess, proliferation [Online] Available from: http://www.tate.org.uk/context-comment/blogs/excess-proliferation [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

The Met (2015) The Artist Project Shelia Hicks [Online] Available from: http://artistproject.metmuseum.org/4/sheila-hicks/ [Accessed: 1^st February 2017]

Venet, D. (2011) From Picasso To Jeff Koons The artist as a jeweller. Italy: Gruppo Editoriale Zanardi Italy

Victoria Miro (2016) Yayoi Kusama About The Artist [Online] Available from: https://www.victoria-miro.com/artists/31-yayoi-kusama/ [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Weski, T (2017) Martin Parr Introduction [Online] Available from: http://www.martinparr.com/introduction/ [Accessed: 1st February 2017]

Samples Evaluation

For my Textiles Sampling, I explored a variety of techniques and processes to experiment with my theme, designs and colour scheme. Due to my screens not exposing and not being successful after several attempts, it was transferred my final outcome to the digital textiles route to become a print. To solve the problem of sampling, I created miniature screens which were A4 size that included 2 sections of my final piece with 3 layers. This was a successful sample outcome as it allowed me to create a large sample of experiments which explored colour scheme, materials and finishes. Firstly, I experimented with the traditional materials “Calico” and “Cotton” to produce samples. Whilst exploring the materials, I experimented with colour schemes obtained from my final design sheet and visual outcomes. When transferring my final outcome colour (pink, purple and white) on Calico I noticed that the layout didn’t make the design stand out compared to the cotton which made the piece engaging. However through “Calico” my other sample colours worked successfully which includes (red, black yellow) (purple, red, black) and (red, orange yellow). All the colours worked successfully on the cotton material but both transferred the designs accurately onto the surface. To expand my knowledge and sampling, I incorporated puff binder which raised the surface of the designs to create texture. I liked using the technique as I believed that the samples produced made the pieces stand out further and incorporate intricate details. The puff binder worked successfully on a variety of surfaces and allowed me to experiment with colour. Within puff binder, I transferred the designs onto a material chiffon which is a black piece of fabric. This allowed me to explore with different surfaces but wasn’t successful as I could not layer the screens together to create a final outcome. This was also discovered with puff binder as I could only use it on one layer only. Through my materials I also explored, Azeta, Habotai and recycled materials to transfer screen designs and processes onto the surfaces. Overall, the traditional materials had the best outcome and also allowed me to include further sampling. I also, dyed some cotton fabrics to experiment screen-printing on different surfaces which included yellow and red. These colours worked successfully and allowed me to change the colour scheme to explore further. To experiment further I used embroidery to work into the design to make specific areas stand out which includes the “dog balloon” characters and “helter skelter”. For the embroidery I used metallic thread which was a new material I haven’t used before which gave rainbow colours that suited the design and theme perfectly. However, a problem I faced was that the material broke easily which was difficult to build up design and texture. For embroidery I also used traditional threads that were successful as they allowed me to build designs up effectively. Within Textiles, I developed my confidence with batik and created some free hand drawings that resembled my final chosen designs and colour scheme. I have previous experience with this technique but I developed my confidence to work independently. Also, within Textiles, I continued to gain the skill of knitting which I haven’t learnt before specialising in the workshop. I believe that I have gained confidence with the technique as I can now cast on more colours to create a series of colour schemes which related back to my final chosen colour. From all of the workshop tasks and samples I have enjoyed knitting the most as I found it a calming technique which allowed me to relate it back to my theme and incorporate a variety of colours.  As well as knitting, I also completed machine knitting samples which was a more accurate sample which still incorporated my final chosen colours. However, a problem I faced was that the wool was thin which broke very easily on the knitting machine causing gaps within the design. Weaving was also an area I created samples for through the task as I continued to incorporate my final chosen colour scheme and colour experimentations. I built up the weaving through experimenting with different patterns, building up the pieces and combining them together to join all of the colours together. I have developed my confidence with weaving to work independently to produce effective outcomes and explored a variety of patterns that I can achieve. All the samples produced have been placed together into a folder to show my journey through the project towards my final piece and outcome. I have enjoyed screen-printing and knitting and I am wanting to continue to develop these skills further into the course. All the samples produced are labelled with descriptions of techniques, materials and dyes.

2nd February Final Outcome

On Thursday 2nd of February, I continued to complete final samples and areas within my sketchbook for the live brief project "Mother & Child". The workshop and specialised area "Textiles" has allowed me to complete particular areas and samples ready for my deadline and presentation to the Civic Galley. Also, the workshop has allowed me to obtain my final outcome of the project which is a digital repeated print of my circle pattern. The design continued to relate back to my final layout, visual sheets and colour scheme which expressed the theme of "fairground" and "seaside". The colour scheme continued to be pastel colours with 3 layers which symbolised each layer created when exposing my screens. My colour scheme was developed from my primary research to Blackpool and continued to be inspiring throughout my design sheets towards my final outcome. Within the workshop I continued to sew using embroidery designs into my artist critical studies which was the designer Jo Butcher. The task has allowed me to plan and organise my time efficiently for the presentation date and deadline. Also, the task has allowed me to develop my confidence with embroidery techniques to complete critical studies for my chosen designer. By completing areas within my sketchbook it has allowed me to analyse my research thoroughly but also conclude which elements within my research have been most useful towards my project. Finally the task has allowed me to, manage my time efficiently through starting to complete my final evaluation and self-assessment which will go towards my presentation to the Civic Gallery.

Final Piece

My final piece has been created through a digital print onto glossy paper with a shine finish. Through my sampling and experimentation of the project I discovered that my screens were not successful as they didn't expose properly due to the jet wash and expose machine. This problem effected the outcome of my work which didn't give an effective final outlook. The main problem with my screens was that they appeared to be damaged with the expose machine causing the binder to be transferred through giving a less effective outlook. Also another problem with the screens was that it blistered easily causing further damaged to intricate patterns with the design. I exposed my screens 6 times to experiment with the jet wash and machine however it was unsuccessful. This made me worry about my final piece as I was worried about failing to reach my deadline or changing my original idea which would be less effective. The previous samples were not successful but demonstrates the process achieved. I was concerned about my final piece and experimentation with samples through different fabrics and processes. To solve the problem I exposed miniature screens emphasising each separate design to expose accurately. This allowed me to create a variety of samples and continuing to emphasise my layers of the pieces. To solve the problem of my final piece, I transferred the tracings to become a digital print which includes all the final chosen colour schemes and layers. For the digital print to work successfully I placed the tracings into the photocopier to be scanned onto the computer. Then all of the designs were connected back together to create the circle shape and demonstrate each individual layer. Once the process was completed it was transferred to reprographics to be printed onto glossy paper with an effective finish. This process is useful because it allows the design to be transferred onto different materials which will be suitable for the curator’s requirements. I am pleased with the outcome of the final piece as it symbolises my development throughout the entire project and my individual interpretation of the theme. Also, the final piece reflects my visual sheets, colour scheme and style as the digital print has kept my drawing outcomes. The print is also professional with the colour scheme finish and surface which is suitable for the gallery. I am pleased with how the design relates back to my specialised workshop area of Textiles and uses similar design process of layers and colour schemes. To improve next time I would experiment with further colour schemes on my design sheet but I continue to be extremely happy with my outcome. It has allowed me to problem solve and understand how to deal with problems that occur within Textiles. I will take these skills further into my project and towards my final project.

 Next I am going to prepare for my presentation to the Civic Gallery about my work. The outcome is presented below.

Final Outcome

 

1st February Weaving Samples

On Wednesday 1^st of February I completed my final samples and experimentations for my live project brief “Mother And Child” which explores my theme and interpretation of “fairground” and “seaside”. In the workshop, I continued to develop my confidence with using traditional Textiles methods which included Weaving and Embroidery. All the techniques used relates back to my final print outcome and design layout. Also, the techniques included experimenting with colour schemes which were chosen and considered for the project. The task allowed me to develop my confidence further to work independently to create a variety of samples which relate back to my final design which was developed from my visual sheet and progress. Also, by completing samples it has allowed me to create critical artist studies for the designer Shelia Hicks who uses weaving to create effective and colourful pieces. All the pieces created relate back to my choice of colour scheme and repeated pattern created through the design process. The task has allowed me to demonstrate independence in decision making in planning and developing creative solutions. Also, the task allowed me to select appropriate materials and processes to develop creative solutions for a creative art and design activity. Finally, the task allowed me to Apply practical skills knowledge and understanding of an audience to produce creative solutions for the “Mother & Child Project”.

To start the task, I continued to develop my confidence further with using the technique of weaving to create colourful and striking samples. For my colour scheme, I decided to use mint, pastel pink and purple as these colours complement each other and are very harmonious. These colours were also chosen as they have been taken from my visual sheet and design sheet which explores the choice of colour schemes used. To build up texture, I decided to create a weave which incorporated all colours together which gave an effective outcome with spirals of different colours used. I was pleased with this outcome and continued to use this technique with other samples and colour schemes. This included exploring the colour scheme red and yellow to create texture. The technique and outcome created inspired me to create samples and studies for my chosen artist Shelia Hicks. I decided to use this technique as the artist builds up a variety of colour within her work and displayed them through different shapes and surfaces. These minute samples allowed me to gain confidence with working at different scales and I was pleased with the outcome presented. Throughout the task, I continued to annotate my samples I have created previously within the workshop tasks to highlight all the materials, dyes and processes used. Next, I focused with embroidery which included working back into my samples to create characteristics and different surfaces within the pieces. I continued to use the colour yellow as this striking colour captures each individual shape perfectly but also connects to the colour scheme harmoniously. Also through embroidery, I continued to complete my artist studies of Jo Butcher who creates intricate pieces of embroidery which explores, trees, hearts and plants. I find her work inspiring as she incorporates lots of detail into tiny pieces through machine and traditional embroidery. All the outcomes are presented below.

Shelia Hicks Sketchbook Page and Sample

Traditional Weaving Technique

Next, I am going to complete further samples within the Textiles studio which will go towards my final outcome that will be a digital print of my work.

31st January Knitting Machine, Further Samples & Embroidery

On Tuesday 31^st of January, I continued to generate further Textiles samples through a variety of techniques which included machine knitting, hand knitting and embroidery. The task included working into samples and creating fresh samples which incorporated my final chosen colour scheme and experimentation. The task allowed me to reinforce my samples to include further development and combination of techniques. It has allowed me to explore new threads which included metallic that related back to my project theme and interpretation. My development of working with the knitting machine has allowed me to gain independence and continue to follow health and safety instructions in order to avoid the risk of injury. Throughout the task I followed health and safety instructions in order to avoid the risk of injury. Firstly my hands were placed away from the machine to avoid contact with the blades and knitting needles. Bags were placed away from the machine to avoid tripping hazards. Finally I tied my hair back and placed my lanyard away from the machine to avoid getting caught in the knitting needles. For my samples I used the same colour scheme of pink and purple to relate it to my final chosen colour scheme. However a problem I faced with the machine was that the material was not effective as it broke easily through the machine causing the outcome to have gaps and include inaccurate measurements. Also, a problem I faced with the machine was that th knitting needles kept falling back onto the machine cause irregular pattern outcomes and gaps within the machine. However, I tried to maintain the 20 stitches and create and equal outcome for my sample. As I worked into the design I gained confidence with using the machine and combined two colours together effectively. Once I completed the outcome a problem I faced was that the ends of the knitting piece were falling apart. To solve the problem I casted the sample through placing it in a sewing machine which gave an effective outcome. The sample is presented below.

Knitting Machine with Chosen Wool

Knitting Machine From Different Perspective

Knitting Sample with Hooks

Final Knitting Sample Outcome

 Also, in the studio practise I continued to complete surfaces and samples through my previous experimentation of dying cotton fabrics. For my colour experimentation of my dyes I continued to use the same colour scheme of yellow but also allowed me to explore layers with different colours and outcomes. I emphasised the colour black onto these designs further which emphasised the dyed fabrics well and characteristics of the design. Due to the dyes being heat pressed and washed it caused the piece to crease which had an impact on my “Helter Skelter” design but my Dog Balloon outcome was effective and I was pleased with the appearance of the design. Through the screen printing surface I used gloves and aprons to avoid contact with the material through my hands and clothes. I also washed the work surface when completing the task to avoid the risk of colours damaging over students work. The outcomes are presented below, 

Print Outcome on dyed Yellow Surface



Background Screen Layer

 

Dog Balloon Outcome

Also, within the studio practise I continued to generate further weaving samples exploring my colour scheme and a variety of patterns.  I was pleased with the outcomes of my designs as it gave me the confidence to work independently to produce several designs relating to my layout and project. Through completing weaving, it has allowed me to gain confidence but also enjoy the technique further with working at large scales and developing a range of surfaces.

Weaving Samples with chosen colour scheme

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Also, within the studio practise it gave me the opportunity to work back into my sketchbook pages through depth annotation and allow me to analyse my samples through describing the dyes, materials, processes and finishes used. It has allowed me to analyse all the samples I have created and the variety of experiments I have used within the Textiles Studio. I was pleased with the outcomes of my samples as it was an area to improve on with my previous project. I believe that I have achieved a range of samples and completed this personal target for the project. It has allowed me to analyse my large scale final piece but also the miniature samples generated from my previous struggle of exposing my screens for the project. These miniature outcomes were useful as it has allowed me to generate a wide range of samples to explore techniques and surfaces.

 

Next I am going to continue to complete further samples and work back into my sketchbook.