Alternative Material Progression

Alternative Material Progression

So having explored alternative materials for interiors, the next project we have been set is a progression project from the previous 'Alternative Interior Surfaces'. We have been asked to take what we have learned and to now further develop our own interests in materials and techniques. Along with this we have each been given a selected source to further our development in exploration for content and technique. We have been given a sample specifically chosen for us in order to help challenge our perceptions and push us off hopefully in new directions without letting go of what we have learned over the past weeks. 

The piece's that have been individually selected for 

us are very precious and valuable. Because they are so delicate, we have been asked to examine and study them in a clean space well away from any paint, ink or messy materials.

These beautifully embroidered piece's are so delicate and wonderfully considered. These will have taken a skilled practitioner many hours to produce which is often forgotten. I am interested in the techniques of stitches used and this is the area in which I will push forwards when starting my sampling for this project. It is a two week project giving us sometime to explore different possibilities. 

 What I particularly love in this detailed close up is the delicate cut out areas. This will also be considered within my samples as I find this technique very interesting and effective. 

We have to consider which materials we can further explore from the previous project whilst thinking about how our new textile will influence our materials choice. Studying the selected influence is essential as we have been asked to show a relation/influence from this piece which should be incorporated somehow into our samples. How can this be integrated into my previous explorations? Where can I place this body of exploration of new experimentation? 

I still want to use the same materials that I used in the previous project, however I am wanting to move away from the interior concept and focus my attention on jewellery as this is something I have always wanted to have a go at and I now feel like this is the perfect opportunity to do so. I feel that the wire mesh in particular is very beautiful when it has been manipulated and it will compliment the simple and considered ideas I have in my head for my sampling stage. 

These necklace's will be my influence. They are from the Anthropologie website. 

http://www.anthropologie.eu/en/uk/necklaces/ton-sur-ton-beaded-bib-yellow/invt/7412437535901b/&bklist=icat,5,shop,jwlacc,shopbyjwlacc,necklaces

I particularly love the pink necklace. Not only do I love the punch of colour but also I think its really interesting when looking at how the piece has been constructed. The way the yellow thread roughly and loosely loops together to  connect the pink repeated leaf forms together. The regularity of shape is one to note. The use of repeated forms although yes, it is simple, is a very effective way of working. The changes in scale is also interesting. The contrast of the organic pink leaves against the straight repeated beads gives a playful yet sophisticated appearance. The highlight of bright orange brings another dimension into the piece, giving it a sense of depth. 

The sample stage

As this is a two week project I have also decided to stick with my original colour palette as I am happy with the colours. I will however minimise the range of colour, keeping it simple with just three tones. If you followed my previous posts recording the 'Alternative Interior Surface's project' you will remember that at the end of week 4 I concluded that I needed to consider the nail and mesh situation. They're not exactly soft on the skin hence the sore fingers I had gained by the end of week four. Ouch! One thing I did want to try in particular was experimenting with flock and aqua suede. If you are unsure what flock is here is a link to a website explaining - 

http://www.swissflock.com/english/dokumente/Textilbeflockung_e.pdf 

Having tried out both the flock and the aqua suede I felt that the best of these two processes was the aqua suede. Transferring the aqua suede onto the flat wire mesh, I then manipulated the wire organically into the form I wanted. As for the nails, in the former project I only continued the wrapping of the thread down to the middle where as here I felt that by slightly changing this idea and covering the whole nail not only makes the nail look less severe, but it also gives a nicer and more considered finish.

Just a little insight into my own little sweatshop. Although the end product is lovely, the process behind it is rather long. I do like this stage of a project though as by this time you've done all the experimenting and now its just a matter of plugging in your iPod and getting on and doing it. 

Whilst in my experimentation stage I also wanted to try working with the mat. Using the aqua suede I then used the coated nails to manipulate the material into a particular shape. Keeping the comment I mentioned earlier about repeating a form, this is what I tried here. I particularly love the pink nails against the pretty stone colour. I think these two colours look rather beautiful together. 

Now I've got the samples done its time to think about the structure of my final piece. I quickly pinched the lovely Emma as a mannequin to play around with the placement. Sorry about the colour of top!

End of week 1! Next week I will think about how to cover the sharp tips of the nail as well as start on my final piece.