So after settling into University life, school structure began in full swing and the carousel went into full effect. This carousel was split into four parts (Textiles, 3D, Fine Art and Visual Communications) and would be how the course would be carried out for the next couple of months until specialisms would be decided. This is how this week began.
Observational Drawing + Stitch
From what I can remember, this day seemed to be very chilled out. A lot of us were strangers to one another but thankfully Shellie (Our group tutor + Textiles teacher) was welcoming and full of enthusiasm that allowed us to branch out and complete tasks confidently amongst each other. At the beginning of the day, we were sent out with the task to create a number of observational drawings on different textural surfaces such as rigid or plain paper. These drawings were then layered in such a manner that showed our process in seeing how we format our work. I myself chose to layer my work as if it were a story, allowing it to be perceived in an easy way to others whilst also conveying meaning at a sort of subconscious level.
After this task was complete, another was set to coincide with the previous task. The second task was to use our observational drawings to inspire a series of stitch works, which was new to me due to my lack of knowledge with Textiles. However, I was able to overcome that and soon realise I wasn’t so bad with a needle and thread after all.
Still Life + Heat Press
Much like the previous day, this day was set into two tasks that both coincided with the other. At the beginning of the day, we were introduced to Anna (Co-Textiles Teacher) and Terri (Textiles Technician) and they set us up with the task of drawing a still life comprised of a series of randomly gathered objects at varying angles using different mediums and techniques of drawing such as crosshatch and spotted dotting. These drawings would then be cropped with tape and photocopied to be coated in printing ink. These ink coated images were used alongside different types of templates to be put into a heat press with polyester to create various coloured and stylised prints.
Illustration Masterclass
On this day, we had our first of many masterclasses that allowed us to venture out of our studio space and find other courses and experiences to help us figure out what we want to do with our future once the foundation course is complete. This masterclass was based around Illustration and comprised a lengthy, informative presentation which sadly ate into the creation element of the class which introduced the art of Zines and storyboarding as a way to tell a story through art in the physical form of a story.
Tool Making + Apocalypse Exhibition
This day was definitely one of the bizarre ones I can remember, It began with the gathering of random objects and upon their combination, they would go on to create tools. Now for sake of argument, I would say they were quite sustainable and well-crafted tools but that would be lying and will state that out of the 6 tools I made that day, Only one has survived to this day (For reference, the tool I’m referring to is the long pole or otherwise known as the largest of the bunch).
After the tools were created, they were then put aside for future use as we were sent off to examine an exhibition. The name and artists who created this exhibition have sadly slipped my mind but I’m sure I’ll be reminded once this post goes live. The exhibit itself was quite bizarre on its own due to the fact it caused me to be changed into full hazmat gear and lead through a room that was filled with various dirt samples labelled with various types of radiation and danger warnings. After experiencing this rather strange but most certainly interesting exhibition, We headed back to the studio and fully used our man-made tools to the fullest of their capabilities. This activity ended in a rather messy manner and sadly in the destruction of the majority of my own tools but all in all, it turned out to be quite the memorable day.
Tool Making
Mark Making with Tools
Mark Making with Tools
Apocalypse Exhibition
Tool Making Anarchy
Final Construct
To conclude this week of Textiles, I was given the task of creating either a Collar or Cuff. Now considering I haven’t had much experience with sewing or fashion or any mumbo jumbo like that I was pretty anxious. However as soon as i experimented with pleating and using a sewing machine, it was pretty manageable and easy to pick up and thanks to that I was able to make my first cuff. All in all I’d say it was a good first attempt and a brilliant insight into the world of Fashion and Textiles, something I probably could see myself doing in the future (If I ever figure out what I want to do).
Samuel Mathias 