Practice - Week 12

I diverted away from the red, because it was incompatible with the white warp. I focused on the curves created by the peacock feather in my photograph instead, abstracting the form, resulting in successful minimalistic monotone drawings. The inverted effect created with the white ink on black paper is an interesting theme I would like to explore within my weaving.

My peacock photograph & my drawing

I translated my drawings into weave using black monofilament with the white warp, creating 3D spirals with huge potential. I would like to emulate this vice versa to recreate the same inverted effect that my drawings had.

My spiral monofilament weaving

My weaving related to work by Vicky Olivera, who also obtained inspiration from spiral forms. This inspired me to experiment with other media like wire and pins. However, the wire ruined the quality of my weave, as it was too thin and unrefined.

Vicky Olivera weave

During group discussion it was mentioned that my pieces resembled Elizabethan fashion collars, due to their flamboyant essence. This was a helpful suggestion for my context, and related well to my dark colour palette.

My drawing & woven experiment (pins)

I wove with monofilament and silver lurex to emulate the shimmery effect of the condensation on the bus windows. I experimented by incorporating pins in an attempt to push the boundaries of my weaving and create an uncomfortable reaction to my potential fashion accessory. This relates to the impracticality of the Elizabethan collars, however, the placement of the pins were a safety hazard, so I discontinued the idea.

Practice - Week 11

I began my second self initiated project by photographing the dismal view I had during my bus journey home. I wanted to respond to the weather, as I had done with my first project about florals. The reflections of light contrasted exquisitely against the dark atmosphere, and the condensation on the window created interesting textures. I deliberately pixelated the lights in certain photographs to abstract my results further.

My drawing (acrylic, foiling) & my window photograph

I responded by drawing in a completely different and experimental way, to push my boundaries and create a clear contrast between my two projects. I used black paper and foiling to recreate the textures of my photographs. I was feeling frustrated during this time of year, due to the dark weather and stress of travelling in the unsavoury conditions. This frustration was reflected in my expressive style of drawing: the marks continued past the edges of the paper and the bright red was striking against the black background.

My failed sample with foiling

I was further frustrated with the unsuccessful results I obtained whilst I was weaving. The white warp lightened my red yarns, and the foiling technique that worked well with my drawings, was ineffective and further worsened the quality of my weave. The yarn between the warps was the only salvaging aspect.

My photograph & drawing (acrylic & foiling)

I began drawing again, this time focusing my attention to composition, which improved my drawing and helped to inform my approach to my samples. I tested foiling on bubble wrap and coated my weave with it, which created an unusual result.

My weave (bubblewrap & foiling)

Practice - Week 10

My abstract charcoal skull drawing

For my second self initiated project, I decided to expand on the warp structure I had created for my first project, by doubling the amount of sections. I was indecisive about what colour the warp should be, so I concluded by creating a white mercerised cotton warp, then dying half black. This decision was inspired by my initial abstract charcoal drawing of a goat skull in response to Georgia O'Keeffe.

'Flower of Life' - Georgia O'Keeffe