ameliasmithtextiles

[ameliasmithtextiles]

WORD FEEDBACK + THE COLLABORATIVE ASPECT TO UNIT X

Throughout the unit I’ve ensured to collect countless feedback from family and friends regarding my ideas and development. I sent a sample of my work to Amber who also studies TIP at MMU! I document my parcel and the feedback I received from her, which was all positive!

Image: slide taken from my unit x submission which explores the collaborative aspect to the unit

[ameliasmithtextiles]

REUSABLE TAGS/ SHARING STORIES AND FORMING CONNECTIONS

I have designed some reusable tags which gives people the opportunity to leave their positive, thoughtful and caring messages along side their contributions to the instillation, if they’d wish. Linking back to Hallmarks aim of putting more care into the world and celebrating everyday moments! As well as linking to the themes, a random act of kindness, just because..., a love letter to a loved one and connect and communicate!

Images: a section taken from my unit x submission, showing my reusable gift tags and how they’d be incorporated into the instillation

[ameliasmithtextiles]

MINIATURE INSTILLATION PHOTOGRAPHY/ VISUALIZATION

using one of my initial knit samples samples, I’ve created a miniature instillation, incorporating all my techniques to visualize how my larger scale instillation would look, feel and like impact an urban environment. Inspired by Ernesto Neto I transformed my knit into a three dimensional structure by using dry rice to shape my piece, mirroring the organic shapes I have envisaged for my resolved outcome. The combination of using different sized needles and materials allowed for easy manipulation. I’ve brought my ideas for this unit to life and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome! :)

Images: these 4 images are of my miniature instillation piece, they show the whole structure as well as some of the detailing and embellishment to the surface!

[ameliasmithtextiles]

CREATING 3D MARKS - THE INTERACTIVE ASPECT TO THE INSTILLATION

These samples below explore embellishment techniques, which could be easily done by the public, bringing to life the interactive aspect of my instillation. These are easy and quick techniques which everyone should be able to complete, yet they would make a huge difference to the surface of the instillation and would really bring into action the interactive and creative aspect! Simple addictions to the instillation such as adding a few beads or knitting into the piece would overall change the whole structure and shape and allows for people to take a few minutes from their day to express themselves creatively!

images: 2 images explore simple hand stitch techniques and the other 3 images show the tactically and interactive aspect to the instillation

[ameliasmithtextiles]

EXPLORING ORGANIC SHAPES - FORMING A 3D INSTILLATION

From initially developing my ideas for this unit I envisaged my instillation being a three dimensional structure as to me that’s my intriguing and visually stimulating!

The first image below explores my organic shape illustrations and my initial starting point for transforming my instillation! The second slide shows my development and experimentation with a knitted sample, as I attempt to form 3D structures by shaping, pulling and knotting my knit!

I am extremely happy with this development as I feel it clearly mirrors my organic shape illustrations and has easily transformed a simple square of knit into something much more! I will continue to work towards transforming my instillation into a 3D structure, mirroring an organic shape!

images: 2 slides from my unit x submission exploring 3D shapes and creating organic forms

[ameliasmithtextiles]

SAMPLES EXPLORING SURFACE TEXTURE

Sample reflection - these 3 samples explore surface texture, using simple embellishment techniques and applications which could easily be achieved by the general public, they create an easy way for interaction with the instillation and don’t take long to do! I believe my samples reflect positive and happy energy and a large organic shape in this style would definitely brighten and lift a urban environment as well as stand out and intrigue all who were to see it. If I were to recreate the samples on a larger scale the loose secretions of knit would allow for easy manipulation and create some really interesting organic 3D flowing shapes.

Images: my 3 knit samples exploring surface texture - using a combination of embroidery techniques

[ameliasmithtextiles]

MY ARTIST RESEARCH - ACTING AS INSPIRATION

when collecting artist research to inspire and grow my ideas for the unit further, I focused on instillation and knit artist! Exploring artists such as Stine Leth and Ernesto Neto have really helped me shape and refine my ideas! I’ve really enjoyed learning and growing an understanding on how such large installations are created and brought to life!

image: both images are slides taken from my unit x submission - they explore the 6 artists I focused my research on

[ameliasmithtextiles]

THEME MOOD BOARDS -

UNIT X RESEARCH

These 2 slides explore some of the possible themes and key words surrounding this units brief and the Hallmark name!

When venturing on to Hallmarks website to gather some initial ideas and explore their products along with how they promote their company, I picked out this quote “put more caring in the world and make someone’s day with cards that celebrate everyday moments”. I love this and think it perfectly describes Hallmarks intentions as a brand however, it made me think why a card? Why not something more?

Images: both images are slides taken from my unit x submission

[ameliasmithtextiles]

UNIT X - CONCEPT BOARD

Initially when learning the unit x brief I was slightly lost and unsure of which direction I was going to take my work. Through initial research into potential themes and key words I was able to fixate my ideas around an interactive instillation - that encourages positivity, creativity and collaboration!

I shall design a large mixed media/ textile instillations which shall be located outside selected hallmark stores located in urban environments/ city centers. The interactive aspect is to encourage people passing by to take a small moment from their day to contribute to the instillation, either through, knit, weave, knotting, pinning etc. Any form of creativity is welcome!

The idea behind my instillation is to reinforce the concept of forming connections (something hallmark are keen to promote) through sharing memories, sharing art and creating positive conversation. As part of the instillation it will be encouraged for all who take part to leave a small thoughtful message/ memory with their contribution! This allows for emotional and physical connections to be formed through the instillation - even without physically interactivity with the instillation I hope all who see the piece are overcome with positive and joyful energy!

Image: interactive instillation concept board slide taken from my unit x submission

[ameliasmithtextiles]

SELF EVALUATION FOR THE SAMPLING UNIT

Throughout the sampling unit I’ve felt extremely inspired and motivated, initially I felt anxious on the run up to this unit however, I’ve worked inderpendantly and gained confidence in both knit and print areas! I chose to pursue the theme of ‘Zero to little waste’ as I was inspired by the recent surge of litter in my local area. I picked litter on my daily walks, collecting primary research and materials to fuel my practical work. Working with recycled materials was challenging at times through due to the lack of art supplies I have at home it was fun to be creative and work with materials I wouldn’t normally reach for!

When starting knit, I took some fun and colourful images to inspire me. Throughout the pandemic I’ve realised creating bright and joyful work really lifts my mood! I taught myself some simple techniques and experimented incorporating my recycled finds. I found knitting frustrating to start with and it took me a while to learn patience. Embellishing my samples was a fun and expressive way for me to relax, reflect and make the connection back to my theme.

When starting Print, I was relieved to know I didn’t have to take a totally digital approach. Instead, I used new image sources and enjoyed being hands on, unpicking my photography and exploring my colour palette in depth. I still have a lot to learn when it comes to photoshop and digital design, but I enjoyed playing around and seeing what’s achievable using the software!

The drawing tasks throughout the unit have kept me feeling fueled with ideas! I’ve continuously felt positive and focused on my work and feel I’ve had little distractions. I would have loved to be in the art school for these rotations as I believe I could have done so much more with my ideas!

Image: one of my sketchbook pages showing a mood board I created to influence my knit rotation work

[ameliasmithtextiles]

100 WORD WEEKLY REFLECTION TASK

Throughout the knit rotation I’ve tried to use zero to little waste in support of my chosen theme. I used left over wool and spare materials from my samples to create my yarn wraps! This has been great as I saved money and worked with materials I had to hand, it encouraged me to be more creative and experimental with the materials I could access. It’s also prompted me to be more resourceful when it comes to smaller tasks like those set throughout the drawing weeks. I wish to continue running with this theme moving forward into future projects and seeing what else I can recycle into textile art.

Images: one of my four knit samples and yarn wraps inspired by and made with recycling, all surrounding my chosen theme ‘zero to little waste’.

[ameliasmithtextiles]

SELF EVALUATION FOR THE ORIGINS PROJECT

I’ve really enjoyed many aspects of the Origins unit however; I have found this unit to be extremely challenging due to covid-19. The added stress and confusion about all that's going on knocked my confidence and motivation when it came to practical work, I feel the standard of my work has significantly lowered and my development isn't as strong. Saying this I love the work I have produced throughout this unit.

The weekly meetings and set drawing tasks have been great at keeping me inspired. Combining the weekly housekeeping sessions, support from staff and students it has felt much more like a community than I originally thought. Seeing everyone's different approach to the drawing task has been useful! I believe my most successful drawing task to be my sustained drawing, this pushed me out of my comfort zone. I also love my work from the paper cutting task. I took a simple approach using my card designs from the summer project, but think it looks really effective!

I chose to use my sustained drawing as my inspiration for my Embroidery/MM rotation - this seemed like a great idea at the time however, I soon found this challenging when creating my samples. I also struggled sticking to the colour palette and translating my chosen image to fit! The colours to me appeared boring and dull and made me feel uninspired. Due to this, along with only completeing one 2 hour session in the Benzie I found this rotation difficult to complete as I lacked ideas and inspiration! 

When starting on weave, I decided to work from my summer project, I felt much more inspired working from my happy and funkier designs which are packed with colour. This lead me to love the weave rotation - learning to use the looms and experiment with different techniques has been the highlight of the project!

I can't wait to continue with practical work in the further, and developed all skills I have learnt throughout this unit. 

image: My completed weave straight off the loom, following my evening session on Thursday

[ameliasmithtextiles]

MY INSPIRATION: JENNY ANDREWS-ANDERSON

Images: two of my favorite pieces by Jenny Andrews-Anderson

When starting the origins module I instantly knew I wanted my work to be bright, funky and reflect a positive and experimental approach!

I’ve been inspired by Jenny Andrew-Anderson’s dramatic use of colour and mark making techniques.

In 2011 when first exploring the possibility of a creative career, Jenny was initially drawn to painting colourful and abstract shapes, this being the start of her success as an artist!

Although given a set colour palette to work with throughout the origins module I found when looking at Jenny’s work I felt much more inspired and motivated by the bright pops of colour! I instantly feel happy and full of enthusiasm - this feeling of enjoyment is how I’d like my work to be viewed by others!

[ameliasmithtextiles]

Textile art work - A4 piece created on board

This is an A4 mixed media piece I created on board, experimenting with creating my own landscape. I used images of previous artwork I had created to form the base. I have since scanned this piece in and experimented further by combining my photography digitally.

[ameliasmithtextiles]

Textile art work - A3 textile piece based off my observational drawing from Tuscany.

After returning from Tuscany I started developing my ‘landscapes’ project. This is a textile piece I created on canvas paper, mimicking one of my observational drawings from one of the drawing days. I used free machine to recreate the marks I made within my drawing. I also added scrap plastic and netting.

[ameliasmithtextiles]

Textile art work - my project is focused on ‘landscapes’.

This is a small (18cm x 20cm) textile piece I created on canvas paper using free machine and small pieces of scrap fabric. This piece was a textile interpretation of a mixed media outcome I had previously created, based on my coastal photography study when exploring my topic ‘landscapes’.

[ameliasmithtextiles]

Unit 130 - some of my initial designs for my Renaissance-inspired denim collection.

My final collection will be made up of ten completed looks. My denim collection was inspired by my photography from Tuscany, which links back to my textile artwork - my garments shall incorporate aspects of my images. Some of my garments shall also be heavily textile based.