The collections project

Figure 1                                                      Figure 2

The next project we had allowed us to chose what we wanted to study and create. I chose 'Collections' which focused on set and prop design. I thought this was a good option for my as I hope to work in the costume industry in the future, but am interested in set design as well. To begin with we used basic materials such as tape, card and balloons and created patterns and illustrations using an object as inspiration. Using cupcake and teddy bear key rings I have, I tried to make pieces that used the same shapes but changed the colouring. I wanted to see if they could still be recognisable but stylish.

We visited the Isabella Blow exhibition which introduced me to display design and the effect props have on a small setting. I wanted to create a prop in a oriental style as much of the work in shown was influenced by Asia and I found it bold and eye catching. 
But before designing this, I wanted to experiment with other prop ideas such as a hat; it wouldn't necessarily be worn but used in the set. I wanted to use dark colours and various materials in order to make a contrasting and striking piece.
                                   

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I then chose to explore the setting and I was attracted to the idea of making a tree. Despite drawing multiple designs I wanted to continue exploring options.

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I then experimented with the idea of material and designing a backdrop. I continued with the oriental style and used the colours blue and pink to also include contrast. Using Photoshop, I created a repeated flower pattern on a gradient background and layered it on a piece of net material. I liked this and thought the style matched the gentle material but I wanted to return to the trees and develop the use of a prop.

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 To see what the tree would look like, I used pipe cleaners to create a miniature version and I really liked the angular style. I was aiming to use white and bold red and yellow leaves so the contrast would further be involved. 

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This is my final piece. I used 2 A1 boards and cut out tree shapes that included sharp sides and angles. I did this due to the Asian influence and to design something unusual. I slit the two together so that each point faced a different way and this allowed for the flowers to not appear clumped. I wanted to used white for both the 'bark' and flowers so that the result was sharp and had no marks. The leaves provide the prop with colour and therefore dimension which allows more attention to be put upon detail. I really enjoyed this project as it enabled me to focus on different aspects of fashion, although I chose to design clothes, it was fascinating to see how other features are needed just as much.

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Styling

Photos from the styling lesson

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My review on the exploratory weeks

The exploratory stage helped me focus on what I want to do for the next year and my future, but It really taught me that challenging yourself allows you to improve your skills and style. I usually prefer to use simple materials such as paint, pens and pencils with flat surfaces, so would avoid using technology or sculpting. However, after these weeks I have an insight into a variety of techniques and have developed my skills and understanding of styles. Although I might not have completely liked some projects, they enabled me to put attention on what I can do and now I am not worried about doing pieces in a style I previously disliked. I want to progress to the fashion and textiles pathway as It was the most enjoyable for me and It encouraged my interest of fashion.

An exhibition poster

This week I experimented with various styles connected to graphics. By doing this, my art abilities have developed as I looked at techniques I have never used before. The first thing we did while in graphics class was explore different fonts. Although type design appears quite plain and simple, it is interesting as the slightest change to fonts can altar the whole look of the word and any thing associated with it (e.g. a poster). I've never found type design interesting but after experimenting, I am now looking more into how simple aspects of design can suddenly change an appearance. After testing out fonts and their colours and sizes, I designed a small poster including words that describe my future hopes. By using multiple words, this allowed me to design around them as put attention on composition and style. 

The other project we had to complete was to make a poster that would be displayed in my exhibition. The first project inspired my second as I continued the same colours. I wanted to keep it simple but used bright colours to draw attention to the poster. I included fashion illustrations as well as the variety of texts in the same colour so there is a connection between the image and the description (viewers can understand that the poster is about fashion). Making this has allowed me to increase my skills and knowledge of design and now have confidence when creating something in a subject I'm not concerned with. This week I've learn't much more about graphics and am more interested in the process of designing. 

(Authors own)

(Authors own)

Strange portraits

Today we drew portraits using various materials, but instead of drawing in a style that we're comfortable with, instead we used the hand not used for writing, our mouths, never removed the tool from the paper and kept our eyes closed. I thought this allowed us to develop our style and confidence as we created work in ways we which we do not usually use. 
We then drew a different part of the body: the ear. In doing this, focus to individual features was created and overall this allowed me to see every detail and how light creates definition. The drawing allowed me to improve my skills as attention was strongly focused on. I realised that in order to draw a successful image (that people can know what the object of focus was) detail is the most important feature. 
We also created collages using pieces from magazines. In order to create successful images, I need to be more creative as I normally prefer my work to be similar to the object I'd draw or paint. By using magazines and various faces, I explored many styles and I tried to demonstrate this through my work. Today my style has been developed as I have experimented with different types of art. From collages to drawings I have done things I've never done before and now willing to try new styles in my future.

Continuous (authors own)

Not looking (authors own)

                                      Charcoal drawing of an Ear (authors own)

                            Collage using different magazines (authors own)

A view from a bridge

The last activity we had to take part in was to make a bridge that was able to fit from one side of a room to the other. We worked in a group and had to construct a bridge made from cardboard and bamboo sticks, which could withstand a remote control car driven from side to side. To begin with this was a complicated task, but after providing different ideas, we began to build a bridge that would start at a balanced level but gradually get higher and lower so that the car could drive up and down. Many joints were formed using diagonal sticks and brown tape and this was done in order to allow the structure to be strong and balanced. We were allowed to use elastic bands as well, so they were used to pull the sticks to the table which made it more stable and structured. Similar to the spaghetti structure, this let me expand my view on architecture and sculpture and now I find 3D art more interesting, but I don't think I will continue with it as I prefer drawing and designing. The car was able to drive across the cardboard so the bridge was successful. I think that this week was a good insight into a different pathway and was enjoyable as it was something I avoid because I was weary of looking at techniques I wasn't confident of. 
                                                        
                                                         

(authors own)

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(authors own)

3D Design

This week will be focused on 3D design: something I've never been interested in. But, I'm hoping that by the end of the lessons I will have a different understanding of the topic and developed new artistic abilities. One task that stood out from other things I have done in the past was creating a structure from spaghetti. I focused a part of my A Level work on architectural forms so continuing this allowed me to carry on a previous interest. I tend to design rather than make so using spaghetti helped me experiment with what I can do. I enjoyed creating the sculpture because it let me look at not only artistic elements but mathematical as the sizing had to be correct in order to let the plastic balls fit on each level. I liked this task even though I thought I wouldn't because it was completely different from anything I have done and let me explore what I can and may do in my future.
Furthermore, the next activity was to make the sculpture protected by using paper. I decided to place it on it's side, laid down on a piece of paper and then wrapped the paper around it. However, before I taped the paper I placed scrunched up paper inside so that it was solid. I then wrapped strips around it to create a package effect as I thought the stronger the paper is, the less able objects would be able to rip through. Finally I wrapped the sculpture in another piece of paper and filled the gap between it and the rest of the paper with more pieces of torn paper in order to create a spring effect. I wanted anything that could hit it to bounce off. But when a ball fell onto it it broke; the paper did not though. By doing this I have experimented with many materials and sculpting and am now prepared for any circumstances like it.

(Authors own)

   

Final poster

I finished my poster that I created using Adobe illustrator, Photoshop and design. I'm not entirely pleased with the poster but considering I have only used Photoshop before I am happy with the skills learnt. With more experience, I will hopefully be able to improve my skills and create greater work. I was never interested in graphics but after making the poster, I am looking forward to developing my work.

Poster design

Using adobe illustrator, design and Photoshop, we began to create posters using the recurring theme of memories. Using a photo from my 18th birthday, I started to edit using Photoshop. My goal was to remove all background so it would be able to place on another background without leftover marks or colours. To do this, I used the pen tool to outline the background and deleted the highlighted section. Then,using design made a gradient background. Despite not being finished, I am pleased with the current outcome and have discovered a set of new skills from the adobe programmes, which has provided me with an insight into graphic design.

Tate Modern review

The name of this exhibition was ‘Energy and process’ at the Tate Modern in London. The photographer shown in the exhibition that caught my attention is William Eggleston. His work displays a theme of abandonment as he captures empty towns or of a few people. The photographs are not laid out chronologically but instead create an atmosphere of still time as little life is displayed. His work focuses more on the colours of nature and man-made creations: such as cars and diners. Despite my understanding of America being a huge country of life, his attention of the opposite has focused my attention on the scenery. 

 Figure 1                                                                           Figure 2

By including bold colours (seen from the buildings and blue skies) the photos become interesting without any human life. Even when there are people, a lack of enthusiasm can be seen and by doing this, we focus more on the surroundings and why they appear this way. The colours act as signs: directing you to the less obvious aspects used in photography. Even though he takes photos of an aging gas station, it becomes fascinating due to the areas around it.

I found his work enjoyable to observe because of my interest with stereotyped places. To many people, America is the ‘model’ for grand shots that display cities and striking imagery of mountains and lakes, but to explore the world of lifeless shops and roads provides further knowledge into the lives of real people.  Another photographer that does this is Dan Martensen. Like Eggleston, he captured an empty diner but the inclusion of red, allowed the photos to have excitement in them. 
 

 

                     Figure 4 (Martensen)






Figure 3 (Eggleston)

                                     Figure 5 
I would've preferred to see a variation of styles such as black and white photos or displaying a darker understanding to desolated towns. This is like Matthew Christopher who takes photographs of abandoned places in America. The dark lighting in his photographs allow people to understand the negativity of the situation. If there was a mixture of both brightly coloured photos and dull, a different perspective would've been created.

 My favourite photograph is the one of the gas station. I think the colours really stand out due to their similarities. The blues and reds contrast but let the photograph include life as when compared to the rest of the scene, they appear to be the only lively things involved. The little life allows for the image to be isolated but cheerful. 

  
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Overall I really liked the exhibition as It let me see into America from different situations. The attention to loneliness focused me point of view to the colours and nature. Unlike many photos that include grand nature, these images do not need this to be fantastic photographs. 

Bibliography
Figure 1. Energy and process, 1976. William Eggleston.
Figure 2. Energy and process, 1970-1973. William Eggleston.
Figure 3. Energy and process. William Eggleston.
Figure 4. www.danmartensen.com
Figure 5. www.abadondedamerica.us/northeast
Figure 6. Energy and process, 1970-1976. William Eggleston.

Final result

(authors own)

Here is my favourite photo from the shoot. I like this because of the blurred effect surrounding the shoe: this allows for the shoe itself to be more focused and attracts attention. I also removed a lot of the colour in hope that due to the boldness of the pyramids, they would stand out the most. Although I was concerned that the shoe wouldn’t result in good photographs, I like this as I think the shoe gains attention and contrasts the usual setting.

Fashion

During the fashion and textiles week, an introduction to design and creating clothes or accessories happened. Considering I am aiming to chose the fashion and textiles pathway I was looking forward to the aspects that are included in the subject. To begin with, we each made small paper creations: I created a butterfly, present, 'fortune teller', plait and I glued folded paper together.   

 Image 2.           Image 3. 

Image 1.
Using them as our inspiration we then moved to making clothes (especially dresses). 

However, the first lesson was interesting as although we created clothes, it was in a way that I have never done before: instead of using fabric, we used paper. Using a mix of white and brown paper unusual and creative pieces were formed. The sturdy and strong materials allowed for the outfits to be folded, pleated and crushed and this resulted in creative pieces that contrasted normal fashion.                                                                                                                                                             

                 Image 4. 

                                                       Image 5. 
                                                     Group design

Image 6.  

Romantic 

To the left (image 7) is a painting by Pierre Carrier Belleuse (1896) and the right (image 8) is a drawing from 1830. These are from the period of romanticism. I wanted to created an item of clothing that contrasted the others and look feminine. By using white I think this also stood out again the brown paper and appears less harsh and this is a key element of what we wanted to achieve.

                                           

Image 9. 
Shoulders

Image 10.   
Hips

         

Image 11.
Gothic

Image 12.
Gothic

                                                          Image 13. 
This is by Elsa Schiaparelli. The inclusion of bones creates a creepy appearance as they appear somewhat inhuman. The dark colour allows the outfit to become negative as well. We decided to make the paper become the back of the piece as it resembled a spine. The use of the spine in both adds a gothic style which is strange but different from most everyday fashion.

The second day involved more design aspects as we used the paper creations from the first day and created fashion designs. Like the previous activity, this was something I have never done before. I found it developed my making skills as I explored completely different ideas but by just using paper improved my abilities using various materials too. I used the small paper shapes as inspiration again and by doing this, my ideas on fashion design improved as I explored different styles and shapes.

    

Image 14 (top left)
Image 15 (top right)
Image 16 (bottom  left)
Image 17 (bottom right)


On day three, I decided to create a shoe made out of paper but still including the creations made throughout the week. I used paper mache and covered a high heeled shoe and chose to decorate the hill in different sized pyramids. I hoped to create a layered effect but contrasted the simplicity of the white coloured shoe. I hoped that the use of colour would do this as well. I didn't want there too be too many bold spikes as It would ruin the flow of the white shoe and the pyramids. 

 

Image 18. (Top left)                                                         
Image 19. (Top middle)
 Image 20. (Top right)
Image 21. (Bottom left).
 Designing and creating this shoe allowed me to explore artistic styles I have never before tried. It may not be a technique I am extremely pleased with as I found the molding complicated, but I have the confidence to try new styles and build my range of skills.

Image 1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21. Authors own.
Image 7. Pierre Carrier Belleuse. 1896. Before the ballet. 
Image 8 . Unknown
Image 13. www.vam.ac.uk.