Latex dreams
I first began to apply the latex mixed with the acrylic in a subtle way, a subtle alternative to beading, as can be seen here with the blue dashes. It was a technique I was pleased with and thought to be quite interesting but it was indeed subtle, safe and in hindsight very unaffected.

Which is when I came to the conclusion of the possibilities of latex, if it could cover beads and give a lovely effect what could it do when applied to a bigger scale? The below images are some of my results, beginning to create otherworldly surfaces. The latex creating a hardened light exterior, also acting as a glue to attach and embellish on top of. I would like to experiment with these scaled up and on larger pieces of fabrics with complete covering.

Photoshop and Cameras.
My digital skills are not something I particularly pride myself in, rather my knowledge is low and due to this I tend to avoid it. But with the ever pressing view towards professionalism, it is starting to become apparent that perhaps with a little more insight it would both enrich my practice and aid me a little more in the direction of employability.

expect to feel pleasure, knowledge is sexy.
expect to feel pain, Knowledge is torture.  
Jeff Noon, Vurt

The photographing and digital image side of my work has always been weak but I think today I may have started to put a crack in the side of it. With the desperate need to get some really interesting images of my work for my portfolio I have been playing around with the settings, learning how to apply to correct apertures and shutter speeds to capture an exciting image.

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.