Sampling

Fingertips

These are some fingerprint I have taken prints from. These were created using black ink then pressed onto gloss photo paper. After experimenting with a few papers, I found that gloss photo paper gave a clearer print. These prints were taken from a boy, I find the difference between each print fascinating and would like to take this idea further by taking prints from different genders and ages to see if there is a difference. I then scanned the prints into photoshopped and zoomed in, in order to see each mark made. I find these prints very interesting as you can see on the left image and on a small section of the middle image, there is a portion that just looks like a black smudge, however, the fingertip has a part that features no print at all, due to an accident. This is something that I find strange, it almost stops the print and blends each mark into one larger mark. From these images, I have taken some drawings from the prints, re-creating the lines and marks, again using photo paper, as it is best to create a clear mark. 

Sampling

Knit Machines

During my three weeks in the knit part of my textile world, I have really enjoyed learning to use the knit machines and experimenting my new skills. At first this was something i was looking forward to as I have never used a knit machine before and was something I was eager to learn. At first it was hard to come to terms with all the new techniques and rules, but after some practice, I have started to enjoy using the machines. However, during my time, I came across some bad days where I would only create two or three samples in a day, this is something I have learnt to avoid, by taking a moment, having a break and coming back to my work. The main thing I love about these machines is that it is very fast to create quick development samples using different techniques and skills I have learnt. Each sample I have created has been different, using the same tools but in very different ways. I liked the idea that almost any thread can be used, creating texture, which is something I am interested in. Overall, I have enjoyed learning new skills and spending time on the machines.

Sampling

Knitting

These are the first samples I have created on the knitting machine. These are rough experiments, just whilst I begin learning the different techniques. I tried to keep the colour palette the same as my weave, using pinks, peaches and whites, however this time I have tried to include more reds and blues to break up the colours, again this is represent the veins in the hand. After playing around on the machine, I really like making holes in the fabric, creating unorganised patterns, this is something I think ties in well with my brief. After looking through my samples I think that I will start to weave into some of the gaps in the knit, creating texture and raised surface, like I experimented with in my weave. 

Sampling

Weave

This is a few scans of my finished weave. The whole sample took about 3 weeks from start to finish and I completed the full length of the thread which is roughly four yards long. This is something I am very proud to have completed as I have made the whole thing from scratch. 

The weave itself was made from three primary colours, pink, peach and white (this was to tie in with my 'hands' brief) I then began weaving with these colours, just to start off with. I then began looking into texture, trying to make the weave feel bumpy and raised. I experimented with different yarns, using paper yarns and cotton swirl, each one giving a different effect. After a tutorial, it was suggest to me that I begin using bright colours in order to break the weave up a bit, rather than bombarding it with pinks. I decided to use a blue, this represented the veins that would be showing on the back of the hand. This worked very well, especially with the weft colours covering some of the blue, reflecting the surface of the hand. However, after finishing the weave I can see where I could have experimented more and added new things. This is something I will take with me into the new brief.

Sampling Unit

Weaving

For the first three weeks of my new textile world, I started learning the craft of weave and how to thread up and use a loom. This was something I have been looking forward too as I have never used this technique before. When I first began learning to use the loom, it was quite overwhelming and frustrating as it is a very long, delicate procedure. I never realised how much effort went into creating weave. After grasping the basic understanding I am beginning to enjoy using the looms. I find the idea quite nice that after all the effort I have gone through, I will have a piece of fabric that I have created completely from scratch. 

 The colours I have chosen are to echo my palette that I have used for my data project, which is focusing on the hands. I decided to incorporate a little bit of black onto the weave, not too much to overpower the other colours, as I have used a lot of black in my drawings. I outcome is starting to look very graphic like with thick black outlines. 

Sampling

Drawings Of Hands

These are some drawings of my hand that I have created. I have decided to experiment with different materials such a watercolours, oil pastels and coloured pencils. This is because on my last brief I felt that I didn't push myself when it came to drawings, see what worked and what didn't. During this brief I plan on using as many different materials as possible to see what works and what doesn't. 

These pictures are done using watercolours, one outlined with pen, the other outlined using pencil. I like the idea of using colour thoughout my drawings as I usually have just stuck with black and white. At first I found it difficult trying to place the colours in the right position but after a little practice I feel I am progressing. 

Sampling

Data

  For my next brief I have been set the topic of 'Data' with the ideas of; recording time, recording movement, recording connections, recording stories and rules. When first introduced to this title, I found myself a bit confused on what I wanted to base my work on. I began at the start and looked into all the mentioned artists. I began focusing on the 'recording stories' part of the brief, looking at artist who record different moments of their lives, for example Annie Toop who records the memories of her ex-lover or Kathryn Edwards who records mundane task but using bright materials. 

After focusing on the ideas of stories and memories, I again found myself at a loose end. I began typing data into google and different abbreviations of the word data to see what appeared, to see if I could take inspiration from that. The idea of hands and the body came up. This immediately struck a cord and I began looking into the hand and the different meanings behind it, such as pressure points and palm readings. People believe the hand can tell you anything about a human being and their life. The hand is now my main focus of my 'data' brief.