Assignment 3 Reveal and Conceal

Reviewing Materials and Process

The concept of this assignment is to explore the effects of light, transparencies, opaqueness, shapes and forms light produces. What textile piece reveals or conceals. As an instinctive response I was drawn to materials with light reflecting qualities, and transparent. And materials easily manipulated like synthetic materials, plastics. Weaving, collaging, sandwiching, bonding, with these materials, I tried to create layers and different degrees of transparencies. Stich becomes and integral part of the structure not just a decoration on surface. Folding, heat manipulating, creates shadows and light areas which then can be played with further (I happened to use photocopying a lot, cut them up, collages, etc) to make new patterns. Once illuminated with light source, the form of samples change, new shapes emerge.

I found myself drawn to geometric forms, although many manipulations produce natural organic forms. Whatever technique used, I learned that striking the balance is the hardest challenge.

Final sample:

For the source material I turned my attention to urban landscapes. In 2000s I photographed a series called Metropolis. I photographed reflective surfaces in modern buildings. These are juxtapositions of different images happened to reflect from the surface at that moment. Architectural structures, shop window contents, the shadow of the person passing by. Different layers of metropolitan life, not necessarily in harmony but in one place. With different light sources, photographing them were a nightmare, but I love the muddy colours, sharp shapes, bright lights and shadows. Can I develop them into textile piece? I find the challenge too great!

S Payne - Metropolis 2004

S Payne - Metropolis 2004

I turned my attention to other urban landscapes. Eva Turst photographs are better to be applied to fabric I think. Her images are already manipulated in Photoshop but in her shots there are lovely patterns to be found which can be developed.

http://www.evatrust.com/city-reflections

Eva Trust Photography

I settled with an Image by Ingo Jezlerski. 

Ingo Jezlerski Photography

I am pushed by time as always and making quick decisions to meet my deadline. I liked the angler and linear nature of this image. I sketched reducing the image into simple shapes so hat I can bond/applique. I thought I could emphasize lines with machine stich and layer with organza fabric and silk. I used Angela fibers to add shine and irregular texture to the mix. This is my final design.

In hindsight I could develop it further. However the whole process of material led approach thought me to work instinctively, doing first and seeing results, making decisions accordingly. Working with a response to the visual outcome; developing as an act of doing, rather then thinking.

S Payne- Final Design Sketch

S Payne Final Design

I loved the Material Led approach, it is liberating. However I can see most of the examples I produces still fall into my comfort zone areas. I still think I pushed myself. Really tried to follow ideas without second thoughts. As a result I didn’t produce much drawings. But I produced lots of samples. My skills of recording these experiences can be improved. With distance learning you work in various times and gaps in-between. And your focus dilutes with the other commitments.

I think Japanese approach to art/craft has an important element to it. I think by “making” one improves their craft and develop the ability to conceptualise ideas further. We seem to have big emphases on the concepts first. The 'making' is an invaluable act in itself with or without a big concept attached to it. It is like meditation. The material led approach teaches you to be present at the moment of “making”. Ideas arise through making.