RESEARCH
From day one, this project has been a brand new experience for me - it's been a close collaboration. This has meant that throughout the last four weeks, my designs and ideas have been produced, whilst constantly considering current collections and pieces by Margo Selby.
My initial research was the study of Selby's fabrics; along with this I have taken photographs, explored current interior trends, contacted other companies, read books about producing yarn and endless amounts of sampling. Not only have I taken inspiration from Margo Selby, but I've also found strong links with other practitioners (Etta Sandry, Linton Tweeds, Patrick Morrissey) which have highly influenced my designs and ideas. I have also used pinterest a lot this project to hone in on different areas.
It has surprised me how much I have needed to research and consider
certain elements of current trends. Previously, I have never taken into account what is going on around me - I believe I have been naive and silly. To produce a strong collection, it is vital that I know what is happening in the creative world, to ensure that the designs I produce will sit well alongside others.
It was the selvedge I discovered whilst interning which provided me with the initial idea to study texture. I thought it would be unusual to incorporate a more 3-dimensional aspect into my work, with the strong inspiration from the 'bubble wrap' concept. In addition to that, I wanted to ensure that I was pushing myself in areas which I don't normally explore or feel comfortable with; even though I love the feel of a piece of art or fabric, it never occurs to me to add 3D elements into my work, so I wanted to take this opportunity to develop this idea further.
From the significant amount of research I did, it enabled me to identify what area and processes I intended to further explore. It was certain that I needed a collection which not only had a link to Margo Selby, but more importantly showed my own style of work. It needed to have a more 3D and textural element, with the contrast of intricate mark making and bold, vibrant colours. It needed to challenge me; to discover ways of combining specialisms and engage myself with new skills and techniques. My final collection was certain to be a range of woven fabrics/designs, but it was important that I incorporated different and unusual elements in, along the way.
On reflection, it is the recommendation of a book by Sutton & Sheehan which pushed me in the direction of creating my own yarns. I've always been interested with processes such as shibori and Ikat, where you alter the appearance of the yarn, however the concept of producing a brand new yarn from nothing, seemed initially quite daunting. The discovery of this book allowed me to further research into methods of producing yarn and twine, and this led to me experimenting with obscure materials and processes.
INVESTIGATIONS
At the start of this project, I believed it to be important to develop the approach I took, along with the skills and processes I used over the weeks. I didn't realise how necessary it was to explore new ideas and alternative routes, within my course. I didn't want to just settle for a woven fabric final piece - I wanted it to be something more.
I found myself to be very productive in terms of developing a handmade yarn; as I only had 4 weeks to complete the project, I wanted to ensure that I put my time to best use. I feel that I was successful in doing this and conquered time management well. I explored and experimented with as many ideas as I could, which allowed me to learn how different elements combine together, as well as developing techniques and skills (both old and new).
As a collaboration project, I feel that mine was the exception. I didn't have any team members to bounce ideas off of or fellow students to discuss the project with, however the collaboration came from an already developed successful business. Even though I think I had the disadvantage of not working in a group, the fact that I was able to work alongside a design company, allowed me to see what things are like in the industry. I feel that this has given me the step up to understanding how it will be once I graduate.
Investigating into the work of Linton Tweed was a breakthrough moment in my project. With the knowledge that they design and produce very textural and exciting fabrics, it was amazing to be able to closer study their work and dissect it in a way to further develop my own ideas, for the better. I feel that without that opportunity, I wouldn't have been able to understand what works and what doesn't work within the industry, and therefore I don't think my final yarn would have been suitable for furnishings.
In terms of the development with my complete fabric designs, I resorted back to studying the new collection by Margo Selby. Her pieces are becoming much more graphic art related and I wanted to portray this through my own work as well. I needed to be certain that the final collection I created, would compliment her previous and current work.
REFLECTION
I took a really experimental approach for this project and it's taught me an alternative way of working! I have always believed that a good mark comes from a good outcome, however at this point in my studies, I have learnt otherwise. Due to this, I have focused the majority of my time over the past month on the developmental aspect of the project, and explored and recorded all of my ideas - both successful and unsuccessful.
I've tried really hard to not just produce designs which I like, but also work in a way which teaches me new skills and techniques and will benefit me in the long run. My final pieces don't always have to appeal to me at this point in my life - it is much more important to be grabbing everything presented to me and making the most out of it all. This is where I hope to have taken my Unit X project.
I hope my designs portray the energy and excitement inspired by the 'Graphic Colour' and 'Outer Space' trends, whilst combined with my own style of art. I feel that I have incorporated all elements of my trend forecasting research, which confidently confirms that my collection will be embraced by the market audience. I believe that I have been successful in creating a range which positively showcases me as a designer; the designs will fit well into the interiors industry, yet will also compliment the work of Margo Selby and blend in well with her other fabrics.
I have definitely been pushed out of my comfort zone throughout the entirety of this project. The style of work I've produced, along with the processes I've used, are not something I would normally explore. On the contrary, it has shown me a new method of working and opened my eyes to creating art that combines different areas that interest me. It is important that I have realised that I don't just have to remain a weaver.
I feel that my skills and understanding surrounding not only textiles, but my degree as well, have improved significantly. I think I have broadened my knowledge by learning new things and spending more time developing my ideas, rather than rushing to create a final design. Based on the choices I have made within the unit, I feel highly motivated to produce an excellent body of work in my third year, and confident that I am better equipped and better informed, having completed this project.
