Comfort Zone

Simon Periton limited edition print on glass

I have further researched the use of text in textiles - different fonts, fabrics and yarns/threads etc.

I have a developed a process for co-ordinating the above options and using them for my work.  However, I am also aware that this unit is about processes and materials and I need to think about using materials other than fabric, yarn and Photoshop fonts. 

I have selected these images from the research because the materials - glass, printed paper and freehand drawings give edge and energy.  It is also interesting tto note the impact of black and white images, the third image is also black and white but overprinted with  red.

Elizabeth Price Risograph on paper limited edition



Henrik Oleson limited edition print



cross stitch on ohp film

stitching onto transparent materials - cross stitch, running stitch and chain stitch.

Focussing

Further to the last tutorial and in preparation for the SWOT analysis, I have been focussing on the objective of my project and what I am trying to say.

Objective: To create designs which reflect my research into how older women interact in society.

What am I trying to say: We live in a youth oriented society.  I don't want to act the part of a ditsy old girl by way of apology or embarrassment.  I definitely don't want to be treated as a ditsy old girl.

This project is about how women redefine themselves as they age.

Sometimes, when I try to describe the project I can see that people don't understand what they see as 'my problem',.  To help me to define the concept, I have decided to write a brief research report which will evidence the documented research around this existential phenomenon.  

Meanwhile, I have also defined how I will progress with design and technique.  I will stitch text which relates to the research. 

I have been looking at the embroidery work of Bella May Leonard.  She often uses transparent Perspex backgrounds, embroidering with different threads, tape, rope etc.  Wonderfully free and colourful.

notes from tutorial today

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• reflective blog should clearly evidence thinking and decision making - in some depth
• make sure any evidence submitted on a USB stick is navigable by using headings
• contexts (LO1) - DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A PRODUCT.  Think about concepts eg 'how the work reacts with light'
• LO2 - evidence thinking , processes
• LO3 - what am I trying to say, what is it all about
• LO4 - textile design.  what I am doing using stitch in different ways.

Important to include thoughts and plans on how the work will progress.

I will need to submit a quantity of materials work showing progress, critical analysis and showing links which progress the work.

Plenty of work ahead but I feel positive and excited by the prospect.

TUTORIALS - it isn't expected that I should have resolved work at tutorials.  The way forward is to prepare work and some will  inspire further work, some won't.

• prepare SWOT analysis for this Thursday

I've been screen printing this week - using the colour separation technique to prepare screens.  So far I have liked the distressed effect of the screen printed text (see left) but the complete image is rather dreary.  I will work on the colours to improve the impact.

Anyway, I think the text effect coupled with the talk from John and Julia McIntyre prompted me to take needle to cloth.  

I am very pleased with the results.  I used a linen thread on linen textile in a similar colour to stitch the word 'invisible' in Courier New font using simple running stitches. I am really pleased with the result  - it is textural, it self-coloured so it is both invisible and visible, it is understated and yet it is blatant.  I can see endless possibilities -

• textures - stitches, textile, thread
• text - words, quotes
• fonts - upper/lower case, scale.

It looks dramatic with a light behind it.  Is this the breakthrough I have been looking for?  Is it too late?

photo mosaics

David Hockney, My Mother 1982

Gilbert and George, The Scream of Reason, 1980

I have been looking at the photographic work of David Hockney .  This photographic portrait of his mother (right)gives movement to the image - and has a cubist flavour in that it shows his mother's face from different aspects.

Both these images have very precise shapes and spaces.

Photomontages can be made by combining negatives (in the dark room) or positives (as above).  For me, it evokes the same curiosity as collage.



 This image by Raoul Haussmann combines photomontage and collage with ink stamp and crayon on printed poster poem.



Rauoul Haussman, Austrian 1886-1971
De Kunstreporter IThe Art Critic)
1919-1920





  

research: How do you want to live your life?

I've been in to NUA every day this week printing onto paper, acetate and fabric. 

I've still not found an expression which reflects what I am trying to say.

On Wednesday I went to a live computer linked transmission from New York by John & Julia McIntyre.  Inspiring, reassuring, energising people and wonderful magical textiles which utilise embroidery, crochet and knit. 

I am missing stitch and I'll get back to it.

Group tutorial today which I will miss because I have no work I want to talk about.

One week left before the Christmas break, three weeks break from NUA, then one week before the deadline.  I will spend some time incorporating stitch into my prints - and I am looking forward to that.  Hopefully the added dimension of stitch will provide the breakthrough I am looking for.

Reflecting on my dilemma -   I have been trying to express too many things.  Firstly the invisibility of 'older age' women but also the energy and vibrancy of 'older age' women.  I also wanted to incorporate text into my work whilst avoiding literal expression. I want to feature transparency in the form of pixellation, blurring and disguise.  I know I will get there eventually... and I'd like to think I would find expression before the deadline.

This weekend I visited Craft Central's 'made in clerkenwell' Open Studios event. 

An interesting experience, observing studio space, a range of goods (rather a lot of jewellery, price ranges (high) and the opportunity to talk to artists. 

I was particular impressed with photographer Veronica Bailey.  She has been researching a war correspondent called Marguerite Higgins in a body of work called Hermes Baby (named after the portable typewriter used by Marguerite).  She uses images of text taken from Marguerite's book using the appropriate font (not just an approximation) and printed using traditional darkroom techniques onto unexposed vintage bromide paper.  The results have a slight curl giving a 3 dimensional, fragile and isolated effect. I was drawn to her work because of her use of text but I was impressed by the meticulous research, detail and materials.  It made an impression on me. This exquisite piece has a limited edition of 5, and retails for £1,400.