Garment experimentation

Using samples and the images from the previous post I have been able to create a garment. This is only a rough idea and I plan on experimenting with more ideas. The lace and the tape measure represent the found objects within the buildings I explored. The dress makers pattern attached underneath the images had part of the screen print I made using a fence image from the power station. I am going to do a photoshoot with this garment back at the power station, I hope this will be successful.

Work on derelict buildings

Using the overpainting idea that I was introduced to during the pathways, I have overpainted my images of the powerstation. Painting over them in white dulls down on the colour, whilst giving a distressed look. I have then chosen blocks to paint in black, creating a series of photographs. They all compliment each other well and the theme is prominent in all of them. My favourite image is the first one as it creates a real 3d look.

This was inspired by using Patrick Caulfield, he also uses blocking in techniques. 

Patrick Caulfield
http://www.rockinghamgallery.co.uk

Mini project for Northumbria

Northumbria have an optional project which can be completed. I have chosen to undertake this to develop my skills further. The brief that I was given can be interpreted in different ways and I thought I would try something a bit different, I have drawn realistic sketches of the garments and then done an accompanying sheet with the features and details of the garments on a large scale.

Mini project for Bath Spa Uni

Bath Spa asked me to create a mini project to be sent to them, which determines whether or not I get an interview. Here is the brief they set:

1. As part of the selection process for interview to the BA (hons) Fashion Design Course at Bath Spa University we would like you to submit 50 original ideas for fashion.
2. What does this mean to you?
How you interpret the brief will form part of the selection process, but we are looking for ideas, originality, fashion awareness, drawing/sketching skills, creativity and presentation.
3. The visual presentation should be decided upon by you, using any kind of media you wish to help you present your ideas.
4. Submission should be no larger than A4 size, with a maximum of 15 sheets if appropriate.

I decided that to show a range of my drawing and design skills, I would create different collections. The first collection I created was based on some broken glass I found within one of the derelict buildings. These designs show my drawing skills, and are simple fine liner drawings filled with watercolours.

In my second collection I have used a varied range of papers, lace, wire and voile. These have been used to represent how the garments would look in real life and use the materials that would actually be used. These were based on my derelict buildings and found objects theme. 

Experimentation was shown in my third set of designs, Using water colour and brusho I experimented with shape. I am very happy with the results that have been created. I like how these were a complete experiment and I had no idea how they would actually turn out. I had some control, but only a limited amount, when it came to applying the paints. I didn't want to put full bodies on the garments, as I like the ghostly nature and the free flow. I decided that the best way to deal with this problem would be to find a head from a magazine, I then photocopied this to create all the heads for the models.  The second set of this collection remind me of sea waves, I have used different shades of blue for each garment. I think these are by far the most successful of the 50 designs. 

Using glue and dye I have created interesting texture and colouring, these were the 'natural' collection that I thought about. The colours that have been used are all very earthy, but I have included streaks of dark red to reflect the bright colours of graffiti on the walls of the buildings. The glue has created interesting patterns and shapes, where the glue has thinned it has become broken. The rough look is similar to all the broken and damaged items within the power station. 

I did more designs based on nature, these were solely drawn in watercolour, but to add more texture and make them less flat I have sewn into them. I have used free stitch and let the threads hang down the page, this has created a really interesting effect and definitely made the watercolours look better. My particular favourite off this page is the twig one at the far right, if I was to create this in real life, then I would use sticks, free stitch and string to hold it all together. 

As nature theme was my favourite, I have created 5 more designs, these were done using bits I found within my sketchbook, that I couldnt use, some of these are highly textured and there are some really interesting patterns. 

The last 5 designs are very daring and I was unsure about them at the beginning, but they are growing on me. Using body part cut outs I have designed some interesting patterns. I particularly like the dress made of hands and think it would be very interesting if I was actually to make it. 

Interviews/Offers from Uni (update)

Interview at Northumbria for Fashion Design, 22nd February
Interview at Brighton for Fashion Design with Business, 6th March
Mini project sent for Bath Spa

Personal Statement

Better late than never...

Using a very loose approach when expressing my fashion designs, I apply a method of drawing that is very experimental and enjoy using mixed media to create distinctive collections. Drawing isn’t just about using paper and pencils, drawing is making a mark, using found objects, creating different surface qualities. Experimenting with different methods of drawing showed me what I was best at, I enjoy the challenge of drawing with non-traditional materials such as light and wire. Wire is very structural and can be used to represent the garment as a 3D object. Taking part in a wire workshop with Pricilla Jones allowed me to experiment more with wire and its structural aspect, layering over the top can create stunning effects.

A recent project I undertook, using limited materials, challenged my creativity and methods of working. Without access to a sewing machine or equipment I improvised securing knitting needles to hold the garment together and rope to shape and drape the dress. The earthy colour pallet I used reflected that of the plants and natural materials employed. Including actual plants and leaves within the dress truly blended it into the environment. I feel a sense of attachment to a chosen place; it tells a story or represents a time in history which is communicated through my garments giving them a meaning. All of which are recorded on my blog www.meganmorganart.blogspot.com  

Previous visits to galleries and exhibitions have inspired my work and my continuous development. Undertaking workshops and visits to galleries majorly influence the work that I create, they are beneficial as they generate new and innovative ideas. Guest speakers and lectures have also proved useful to my work, taking every opportunity to gain advice from them.

Discussing my work on a one to one tutorial with Cedar Lewisohn and Darren Hayman, I took advice on displaying my work in galleries, inspiring me to work out of my sketchbook and consider various scales and environments. This has led me to working straight onto a mannequin, altering the use of materials as I develop my ideas. Other influential lecturers that visited were Sean Dower and David Sheppard.

A highlight of my work so far was being involved with the Tate Gallery, Liverpool, to film the new display, ‘Tracing the Century’. I enjoyed trying something new and adding to the continuous learning and development of my skills. Before this opportunity, I had never used a camera to film, it was exciting being able to use one for the first time in a professional environment. Collaborating with students from other disciplines gave me the opportunity to film a few successful shots and realise how I could combine this with fashion.

I feel experimentation and confidence can lead to exciting results. Individuality and uniqueness is important to me. Fashion can reflect a person, place or environment, provoking thoughts of change, challenging principles and communicate a statement. This is what I aim to achieve with my work.

Walk to explore

Earlier today I decided to go and a walk and see what empty farming buildings I could find for more inspiration. I came across an old stone building, it was clearly empty and used for shelter for animals. The roof had been created by using thick logs and was very crafty and rustic. A floor had also been created using a log as its main support. Grass was growing out of the walls and it was covered with moss, this shows how nature takes over a man made building and can manipulate it. Weather and water had rotted some of the roof and the structure of the building, creating interesting shapes and designs which I am looking at working with.
This was however the only building I was able to access and was hoping to find more, but I think the pictures i gatered from this can be used in my project and am happy with the results.

Screen Printing Experiment

Using an image of a fence, I put it onto a screen so I could screen print onto different papers. Originally I printed this image onto other images from the power station, this represents the fact that these buildings are often forgotten and therefore neglected, working with my theme that buildings are disposable. Later I tried using the screen on different materials and papers, the papers representing found objects from the buildings. The dress pattern fabric is scrap, and I found it lying around. I like the effect this paper creates as there is text hidden behind the print.

Image I put onto a screen

Dress Pattern paper

Trying out working with images

Working with the new images of the power station, I used Patrick Caulfield's work again to influence the images that I have created. In his work he blocks out certain areas of interest. Using an image of the outside of the power station, I have blocked out the windows and other areas of interest in black. To me this was to show that an abandoned building is just a blank canvas for nature and that it can intrude and invade buildings. I have then printed one of the images onto clear acetate and placed blocks of colour behind it (this doesnt show well on my images because of lighting issues). I think the colour blocking has worked well, but am unsure how to adapt this to fashion garments.

Blocked image

Original image

Blocked image

Original Image

Patrick Caulfield
http://www.wikipaintings.org/en/patrick-caulfield/interior-night-1971

Samples based on Distress

 Using my images from yesterday, I made some samples that demonstrate the weathered and worn down nature of the buildings. To create these I have used wax, bleach, paints, dyes and papers.

Derelict Buildings

A revisit to an empty house and powerstation, I was able to get close up images of the paintwork and other interesting aspects.