Christian Joy

http://christianjoycostumes.tumblr.com/

Christian Joy uses her approach to fabrics, clothing and costume in a manner of fun and playfulness. Being well known for her many costumes for Karen O, the lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, she creates bold, original designs with a high emphasis on the decorative nature of the fabrics. She isn't shy of colour or texture, everything is bright, odd and far from average.

 http://www.christianjoy.us.com/work/#/kareno/

I like her approach and feel her point of view is relevant in my own work. Using fabric as a way of expression and having fun with it, creating worlds within her designs. This is something I wish to pursue in the future and an outlet for design I would like to explore, working with a fashion designer on the constructions of decoration.

Embarking on a new direction.
After the two tutor group crit it became apparent that I was maybe forcing my work into a direction I didn't need to worry about just yet. Spending too much time worrying about creating a product rather than allowing myself to really experiment and create something interesting. Seeing as I already had the beginnings of what could become an interesting pallet of fabric samples why not continue along this line of work. This revelation left me with a feeling of relief and excitement to get on with the task in hand, something I hadn't felt in a while for this project.

 

Matisse

Over the Easter break I was able to visit the Matisse exhibition at the Tate Modern.

The Parakeet and the Mermaid

There is a certain symbology to Matisse's cut outs, without the use of detail, Matisee utilizes the positive and the negative space to provoke the design and intrigue.

They contain a form of landscape abstractions but also transport you to within a new alternative landscape. Symbolizing coral/leaf algee like forms, fruits, fish, birds and the presence of a human touch, it almost becomes a mystical pretense.

A certain symbology and an un-eveness, imperfections welcome.

I was surprised by the show, it felt a lot more relatable and human but still in a sensational manner. It inspired me to be more bold and experimental with my application to cut outs, the possibility of layering up and how well this could translate into fabrics.

An attempt for me to start to rationalize this application into my own fabric samples, utilizing the cut and imperfect finish, something I will explore more during this project.

market research

Topshop jewelery

1.

2. and 3.

Its is all about the finished edge, an element of professionalism, an attention to detail, every aspect considered. I feel the first necklace is an example of this, it is not the main feature that is souly considered, it is the consideration of the chain and fastening that adds up to something of higher interest. This is also something that effects the price range of an item.

But what I am foremost looking to illustrate here, is the technique represented in the second two necklaces, the beaded intersections, where the beading and embellishment is applied onto a harder surface. It is something I find intriguing whilst looking into the consideration of how to finish of and neaten my skull caped head wear.

Skull caps

I have been finding this project difficult due to the prospect of possibility and time constraints. The unlimited possibilities of technique and outcome have been bounding me rather than liberating me.

I have therefore decided to embark on a prospective outcome and from there within these chosen constraints I can allow myself to experiment along its design journey.

That chosen outcome is the idea of a cutwork form of skullcap through using the techniques of free machine embroidery and bonding.

Upon looking up the definition of veils, I came across the definition of "Protection from the elements". From this I was inspired to use this to become, protection from the elements with the elements. Using an elemental symbology to construct a skull cap and attachable veils.


TO WRITE A NEW MANIFeSTO

a childlike naivety
a DIY aesthetic
painterly
an element of fun
edges are important
head cages and harnesses

Veil definition - For protection from the elements

Protecting with the elements,
Protection, shield, cushion, screen

Endeavors in free machine embroidery cut work for the skull cap. The above images are for a calico toile, where I was attempting to work out the shape and form that the cap would make, using a pattern of sunshines and demon explosions. This has half worked, although the wadding applied has not given it enough bounce which has also resulted in making the form too stiff, it doesn't flow with the head. This will have to be something which is addressed.

VEILS + CUT OUTS

It was mentioned in my feedback from the previous project that I should begin to consider creating my own netting to build upon. After a few futile attempts of knotting systems, I began to consider the idea of the cut out. Creating the netting myself, by leaving a skeleton of the original fabric. By doing this by hand I think it does give it an interesting quality but when trying to get more of a regimented pattern, it became alot more time consuming and messy, hinting for a bit more refinement.

From this I came to the decision that I should use the laser cutter, a much quicker (once the file was prepared) and precise process. I do still value the initial hand cuts and think they have potential but the laser cuts have produced an excting surface to build upon. Especially the one on the smaller scale, where it has seemingly been cut so close together the fabric has slightly melted and it has resulted in a very similar quality to netting. Giving a deceiving strength to a fabric that was initially relaxed.

UNIT X

NETTING SKELETONS
To begin. For this new leaf of project I want to begin with continuing the idea and surface construction of the veil. Skin is important. Looking to use netting as a skeleton and vessel to build upon, creating areas of disguise and areas of clarity. Continuing with the elemental colour symbology to illustrate.

I have been focusing on ways in which to build up a solid surface, allowing for areas of revealing and concealing what lies beneath. The above samples have worked in certain ways but seem to be a bit crafty, the colours certainly need work as they are not satisfying my pallet. I think these techniques could work, but need to be explored more and maybe viewed with a technique of more refinement, I like the contrast.