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.
                                   

Figure 3

Figure 4

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.

Figure 5 

Figure 6

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.

Figure 7

Figure 8

 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. 

Figure 9

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.

Figure 10

                                      

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 1 Authors own

Figure 2 Authors own

Figure 3 Authors own

Figure 4 Authors own

Figure 5 Authors own

Figure 6 Authors own

Figure 7 Authors own

Figure 8 Authors own

Figure 9 Authors own

Figure 10 Authors own

Figure 11 Authors own

Figure 12 Authors own

Figure 13 Authors own

                                   

Styling

Photos from the styling lesson

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

                                                             Figure 4                                                             

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 1 Authors own

Figure 2 Authors own

Figure 3 Authors own

Figure 4 Authors own

Figure 5 Authors own

Figure 6 Authors own

Figure 7 Authors own

Figure 8 Authors own

Figure 9 Authors own

Figure 10 Authors own

Figure 11 Authors own

Figure 12 Authors own

Figure 13 Authors own

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)

                                                                 (authors own)

(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)