Self written project

The final project of Year Two is a self written brief. It can be based on whatever you desire, however must be structured appropriately and requires approval from a lecturer.
As my brief has just gained approval I felt it would be appropriate to share it, and here it is!

Project Brief:

In this project I intend to look at natural forms for inspiration, with an aim to creating traditional inspired florals.

I want to use my own surroundings as starting inspiration for my collection, and as I am surrounded my countryside this is where I wish to take my inspiration from.

As I have a large garden I have copious amounts of photographs of my garden in every season, which makes basic observations simple. As spring turns to summer, I can also make first hand observations of the plants and wildlife around me.

In style I wish to take inspiration from William Morris and Sanderson’s, maintaining a traditional and somewhat archaic approach to interiors. As well William Morris’s style, his philosophy and morals of design also interest me, and I wish to research these further and apply them to my work in some degree. Modern designers who interest me include Robert Kime and Bennison. Their designs appear rich and sophisticated and are strong examples of what many people desire from their homes and interiors. Both of these companies promote the use of hand techniques and authentic dyestuffs, as well as British manufacturing.

When considering the techniques I want to focus on in this project, I wish to put to use my recently acquired knowledge of printing large scale repeats. I also wish to print repeats in up to 7 colours and at official furnishing width dimensions. This skill will be useful to practice and master as I want to print 3metre lengths for my degree show, not small swatches, therefore practicing this now and the skills it requires will be useful.

I intend to use natural fibres within my work and attempt to keep to a natural colour palette. I would like to experiment with traditional dyes using mordants and natural colourants, however, as many of the mordants are chemically harmful and cause more harm to the environment than other synthetic dyestuffs I will use safe products and attempt to replicate natural results.

I will not do any digital printing during this project, as I want to focus on the merits of hands on processes and traditional techniques, as well as designs.

Using the Jacquard loom is also a feasible way of interpreting my designs, as Morris was known for his weaves as much as his prints, so creating woven fabrics with natural motifs is also an aspect I wish to explore within this project.

My final fabric collection is intended for use in interiors, specifically soft furnishings, but could easily be translated into wallpaper also.

When considering my target market I want my collection to appeal to mature individuals who appreciate high end products and top quality. The idea behind the fabrics is possibly restoration work and to replace damaged original fabrics.

End of the first semester

Today I collected the results of my semester one assessment; and the grades I would receive for both of my projects and all visual studies and practical work for year two so far. I was very pleased to receive an A in both areas, and receive positive and constructive feedback. My work was also retained to be moderated.
This also marks the start of my new project, and with a vast array of topics to choose from I have chosen something which holds a personal interest to me; 'Fine Cobwebs'. From a young age I have been fascinated by spiders and their webs, so this is something I am eager to explore artistically.

Here's one of my photos of a Garden Spider from a year or two ago:

Birds & Fish

I began observing the different suggested themes within the project rather early in my sketchbook. Firstly I looked at the topic 'Birds & Fish, here are a few of the resulting studies:

Rule Britannia!

Well the new project has arrived! What an exciting new project it is! The title of Summer project is 'Precious Paper' and is all about collage. As someone who rather enjoys working onto collaged surfaces and involving recycling within my work, this element interested me. The topic of the collages are 'The British Empire' and we have been asked to select from 3 specific areas (one or more can be chosen): 1. Cups, Saucers, Cake Stands. 2. Medals and Medal Ribbons. 3. Fish and Birds. All of the themes set my mind in motion and as a follower of print trends I began to form detailed ideas for each topic. With a sketchbook to start and several large pieces to complete I am working hard at market research and developing my own unique view of the project already!