Over the course of the practice unit I feel that I have been able to develop my work and sampling into pieces that are suitable for the direction that I would like my work to head towards, and also produced samples that I am proud of.
Initially I was inspired by the shore line and the concept of translating the surfaces and patterns of the rolling waves into textiles design. I found it fascinating that no two sequences of the waves were ever the same, instead producing uncontrollable, repetitive patterns with every movement. I like the sense of individuality portrayed, especially through my primary photography, inspiring my intentions to be to translate my drawings into stitch, changing each piece slightly through layering and cutwork. Using this idea, I found it easy to begin drawing; drawing as much as possible, serendipitous designs upon different surfaces, creating a large accumulation of variable pieces which I then went on to use throughout my development process, before taking a select few to translate into embroidered designs.
As well as using the patterns of the waves to inspire my work, I took great inspiration from the repetitive, slow motions of movement, and used this concept for the technical production of my sampling. Similarly to producing multiples of drawn work, I have enjoyed spending a lot of time using the art of cutting, creating serendipitous patterns through slow techniques. Using cutwork allowed me to work on a larger scale in comparison to my embroidery samples; I experimented with the placement of my cutwork on the body, which gave a new dimension to my sampling: instead of small, delicate details I was faced with larger, more apparent results, both of which I am interested in. Through sampling I have realised that my work is definitely most suitable for a fashion context; for high end, and possibly wedding dress collections.
My intentions for this unit were to investigate further into the embroidery techniques that I have been developing over the duration of the degree course, in attempt to perfect these methods and produce quality samples. Ethos designing has taken up a lot of my time, with it again being a long, laborious process. I was determined to translate the same qualities of marking from my drawing and development work into embroidery; Through experience with the industrial machines over the past few years, I decided that the multihead would be the best equipment to use in order to achieve this. My final samples are all produced through a combination of ethos designing and stitching, beadwork and cutwork. In reflection, I do not have as many samples as I had hoped for, however I know the amount of time that was put into every piece: the processes of designing, stitching, finishing edges and threads, beading, layering, cutwork. My overall aim was to be able to produce my hand stamp through each sample, and this I believe, I have done successfully.
With regards to outwards facing, participating in live briefs and engaging in more presentations (tutorials, critiques etc) has enabled me to explore new opportunities, new context areas and given me further understanding into the external industry. I feel that I have grown more confident when talking about my work, I find it enjoyable to speak about what I do and where I'd like it to take me. I have a new found understanding that although I would like to be based in a fashion context, I am able to adapt my work to fit into a diverse range of directions- for example gallery based commission for Primary Europe. Other skills that I have enhanced through outward facing include pitching in external settings, costing and budgeting and also again, time efficiency.
Being offered the chance to learn the skills of glass work has been a highlight for this unit. Working parallel to my practice, the material is allowing a new dimension to be formed in my work. It is also nice to hear different perspectives about my work, with glass tutors offering new ways of looking at my pieces, and new methods of creating samples that I may not have thought of myself. I have learnt the basics of some very appealing techniques but as of yet have not produced anything to the standard that I'd initially like it to have, though in defence I have only been participating in these workshops for three weeks. I am definitely going to continue with the workshop during unit x: possibly collaboration with an MA student has been spoken about, as well as developing my own understanding of the techniques and materials.
As an overall reflection: although a very long unit, it has been fast paced and full of obstacles. Setting myself mini deadlines, writing my own brief, taking part in outward facing presentations and structuring time efficiently has been enjoyable; I feel that I have produced a good collection of work which tells a story from primary research through to final samples. I am wanting to continue into unit x with similar concepts and inspirations as I feel that there is a lot more potential to be bought forward from this unit. I am looking forward to focusing more upon the sampling process in attempt to refine my work, experiment further with new and old techniques combined, and produce finalised samples that are suitable for my desired context of fashion.
LAURA KENT | EMBROIDERY
