'In my element'

My first lesson this week was with Val on Monday, where we used our previous work in our sketchbook as inspiration for making techniques and presenting them on a mannequin. We photographed these ideas and from them we illustrated the ideas into designs using the silhouettes we created using runway models and layout paper. From there we went on to evolve our designs in different ways experimenting with lengths of hems, styles of pleats and creating a range of varied illustrations and designs. As I feel more confident in designing/illustrating and construction I really enjoyed the task set to us and was 'in my element'.

                           

 

Our next task was the challenging one of using our opposite hand to illustrate a chosen image of ours from a magazine with continuous line.

Although I am extremely uncomfortable using my left hand, I actually became really pleased with the 3 outcomes I produced using this technique. Visually the illustrations look scruffy yet edgy and unique, which I actually really enjoy considering my usual OCD neatness. With layout paper we shaded the shadow tones (with no outline involved) which I found created a pleasing and bold style, especially when layering the continuous line illustrations on top.

 

Using the layering technique we scared these examples and presented them in our sketchbook alongside our other illustrations.

What is an Art School? - Lecture response

I believe an art school is a space for artists from different disciplines to experiment their skills and act upon their abilities and talents with new and old techniques and be helped to develop new ways of creating art, expanding and challenging their thinking and knowledge. 

As John Balderssan said "We're already artists before we attend art school" which I agree with completely. As I believe we attend art school to study in detail what is possible beyond our knowledge and to improve our technique (which is actually the Greek translation of 'Art')

An art school to me is built upon a community of people who work together to create art, even if they are from different disciplines. As it is just as important to collaborate with other artists as it is to work alone. This improves professionalism and not only is an experience to gain from, but allows you to see how other artists work and create alongside others. 

I came to art school myself, as I wanted to not only improve my skill set but to widen my knowledge for my passion and become more confident in my work and subject, in order to give me the appropriate information and experiences for my future and possible career.

My first few weeks at Uni in a extremely long blog post...

I started my first week at Colchester Institute the beginning of this month. I'm not going to lie, the transition of changing from no college all summer to a new, big and intimidating institute really panicked me. However after enrolling, getting used to the time tables, meeting the lecturers and students and starting basic tasks and techniques I found myself settling down quite nicely.

Here is my apron I designed and adapted which I will use for the future 3 years at university.

I wasn't overly keen on one of the task set for us which was rough observational drawings of objects which appealed to our own style using pencil, biro, ink etc. As myself, I do not feel as comfortable drawing with such mediums in these styles. 

Another task I didn't enjoy entirely was a group discussion with my group in order to get to know each other and be able to publicly discuss our opinions and ideas. I positively believe that these tasks are successful and important to under go for students to develop as designers/ artists and build our confidence for the future. And although I don't feel comfortable and lack confidence in this area, I am going to try my hardest to involve myself in these discussions to share my views in order to allow myself to develop and grow as a confident designer and business woman.

In my experience I have come to realise that I much prefer fashion designing and construction more than textile designing and production, which is why I was surprised that I thoroughly enjoyed this task of creating and collaging observational, repetitive patterns which we developed into textile prints. I also loved incorporating these prints into my own illustrations and flats which could be developed further for my end of year project/grade.

                         

 

My favourite task so far was researching one of the themes from the Past Modern brief which was 'High and Low' described as "Deep history meeting contemporary design." I really enjoyed this task as the theme I felt really reflected my style as a whole which made it incredibly easy for me to work hard and put my all into the research. 

-- SCRATCH THAT --

My favourite task the past 2 weeks is now my first lesson to Fashion Construction, involving seam and hemming sampling with different fabrics, stitches and techniques. I've always enjoyed and found using a sewing machine therapeutic as it's become extremely naturally to me. These are some of the samples I created using open seams, French seams etc.

 

I have really enjoyed my start of University so far and am looking forward to continuing and developing my studies and style throughout the rest of the course.