Reflection – Final Major Project

Posted: May 6, 2016 | Author: | Filed under: Field, Reflection | Leave a comment

So its the end of an era, I feel as if Ive just submitted my life in a wicker basket.
The emotions are running but all positive – I’m so happy, relieved, anxious – overwhelmed in general. I am so happy with the outcome!
I have a great love for flowers and nature in general and so I knew I wanted my final major project to be based on flowers. In addition within my last project for International Greetings I realised I had a love for mark making also -to produce personal, quirky unique lines including circles. It was then that I realised – I wanted to combine flowers, leaves and mark making for my final major project.
I went out on walks with my camera and took photos of any flowers or leaves.
I drew from my photographs which were drawn in a simplistic form then started having fun, randomly playing with a paintbrush, wire and paint. I then took both flower drawings and mark making into Photoshop and started experimenting.
I can say that I had a lot of fun with this project and I really enjoyed seeing the process of development. I also enjoyed producing my technical file within my own personal style – showing the process through drawing, mark making and then the techniques combined to produce the final design. I can see such a change of style within my work this year and I’m really happy that I’ve found my niche finally.
Even though I love my families – “Funky florals,” “Lively Leaves,” and “Mad Marks”
I can say that one of my main favourites is the “Porky Print.”
Being original Jennie Ham I had to produce something which was personal to me.
I already knew that I wanted to produce something pig related having “Ham” as my last name – I especially knew that I wanted a pig within my logo for business wise.
I created a template of a pig and then added some of my mark making designs to the template. I had so much fun with them, thoroughly enjoyed it!
For my space I wanted to have a “living room setting” I already knew I was putting two chairs within the space aswell as a drape and a few cushions. I also wanted to add a side table so I could place a table cloth and mugs onto it (which I had made) aswell as adding frames to the wall – preferably a quirky print and CADS.
I did set this for the space and it has slightly changed after tutorials and talks with the tutors, however I can see their point and “less is more” especially when you have so many bright designs on top of designs.
I can happily say I haven’t had many negatives within this project, one was that my drape came back horizontal instead of vertical but that was easily rectified.
One thing I was upset by – I had a family friend who is a seamstress by trade who made my drape, large cushions and pig cloth – she also had her own overlocker.
I know how to overlock as I have done previously and did so for my buddy last year.
I knew how stressful it would be in the stitch room therefore I asked Angie if I could overlock in her home instead of uni and of course she said that it was fine.
Her overlocker was an industrial brother and I felt at such ease whilst overlocking all of my samples. The downside was due to my own confusion of colour ways, I did not have alternative colour ways. I asked Steve if he could print three of my alternative colour ways for me and thankfully he said yes. With time running out and Angie having her own work to do I sucked it up and overlocked in the stitch room. One overlocker had jammed, another needed threading (which I didn’t know how to) and there was one free.
I then used that one but the threading was loose, I assumed the tension needed to be tightened so I asked Maggie who explained that it wasn’t the machine, it was me.
That was my only downside, if i was to redo things I would just redo those three colour ways and overlock them at Angie’s house as I am really disappointed with how they are overlocked at this present time – ah well aye.
Overall I am really happy with the outcome, I feel as if all the hard work has paid off and I am pleasantly relieved that it went well without too many bumps.
I feel as if I have grown into the designer I have become and it has given me the confidence to go further, in industry and also just general designing.
Without sounding cheesy I can say a thank you to the support I have had and good feedback within this project from the tutors which has been really encouraging.
It literally feels like the end of an era, onto the presentation now.
But first a pint with the girls to celebrate :)!

PDP Reflection of Constellation and Dissertation Proposal.

Posted: April 28, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Constellation, Reflection | Leave a comment

In contrast to constellation last year I have thoroughly enjoyed my lectures this year. I have been given a tutor who I can relate to and I am interested within the topics which were discussed in each lecture.
i.e. glamour, feminism, surrealism, gender, monstrosity and embodiment etc.
I really enjoyed lectures in particular – the two lectures on Glamour and with the addition of charisma including the grotesque and embodiment looking at Alexander McQueen and his practise.
I think by reading through my notes from each lecture it could really help and influence my research for the topic of my dissertation.
My topic of dissertation in so many words is – feminism in the fashion industry. I had finished my dissertation proposal last week and I feel pretty confident with the research I have observed. I have a strong idea of what I want my dissertation to be like. Saying that I shall not know until I receive feedback after the dissertation deadline. Quality over quantity aye!
Another strong positive I have felt this year would be that I have received really good guidance this year within constellation and with my dissertation tutor I feel reassured and more at ease.
After speaking to the third years I have realised I have to research and start my dissertation throughout the summer so that it doesn’t get in the way with subject when I return as a third year  and so I do not have to turn to a glass of rioja on a regular basis.
Furthermore I have surprised myself by enjoying the read of the books (some more than others) within my research.
For example I find it easier to read off a screen instead of reading a book and I was shocked by how I found myself doing the opposite.
I am pretty happy with the topic of my dissertation as there are so many routes I can follow. I can look at how patriarchy reacted to the implementation of make-up and fashion with the addition of feminists. I can observe how male designers were introduced swell as females and compare and contrast. Furthermore I can talk about the purpose of such things as cosmetics and fashion. In addition I can also look at the issue within weight within the fashion industry and how it is perceived and looked upon by fashion designers and the media, etc.
You shall see my comments in depth including explanations in my personal view in my dissertation proposal including the reviews of which have influenced me.
I think I was lucky in contrast to some of the girls – I was able to find books suitable for my dissertation proposal in our university library including Cardiff Library which has really helped me. Including the journals – most I found on online in comparison to our library. However saying that, I have previously stated I find feminism to be a popular topic and since researching the subject I didn’t realise it was as popular – (aswell in fashion) not just in today’s society but within previous centuries.
In addition as a Textile student I am of course influenced and inspired by art related topics. The craft being fashion and how it was introduced really intrigues me aswell as the history behind it. I think by looking into that within more research will better my dissertation instead of only discussing todays view and perception of feminism and fashion.
Also I think this data and research of the craftsmanship within fashion will not only better my knowledge but it shall help me in so many ways within my practice in university and outside.
I have previously stated that feminism is a popular and interesting topic. I have more knowledge about the topic due to my research observing previous centuries/decades but feel as if it has became more controversial and popular within recent years and today.
Women seem to be portraying feminism to be cool these days and with celebrities/iconic singers and actors/actresses coming forward and vocally expressing themselves to be big feminists of course that will influence not just people who are up to date within the media eye but will impact the younger generation by far. I may overlook this thought in my dissertation proposal but will like to talk about this one point of many in my next tutorial after the feedback.
If beyonce can be on stage with the words “FEMINIST” behind her – why wouldn’t you want to join the feminist clan?
Why wouldn’t you want to be Beyonce?  Or is someone like beyonce with her weave, makeup, iconic body, sparkly dresses the reason why we should become a feminist? Can a feminist wear makeup and have immaculate, unique style? Or do we all have to be “Plain Jane’s” and hate men? These are some of the main points I have looked at and which I would like to portray in my dissertation.
One thing I am wary of within my dissertation is the fact that I do get into a subject and not only do I become passionate but it can be perceived to overwhelm a person and be seen to be repetitive at times and may come over as aggressive.
Saying so, I think I need to talk about this within my next tutorial and to seek advice – after all I would like my dissertation to be professional in contrast to personal.
Never the less, yes I am anxious about producing a dissertation in depth as it is a third, a big part of my degree which I want to achieve. However I think with the topic I have chosen and the research I have observed so far I think I shall enjoy it and take it through so many paths that I can embrace it.
In conclusion I can state my thoughts and my aims and discuss points I want to add into my dissertation but things may change, my thoughts may change but after tutorials my dissertation also may change.
We shall see.

Reflection

Posted: March 23, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Reflection, Subject - Textiles | Leave a comment

Throughout the project – Making Connections I have found it a bit of a rollercoaster.
I have enjoyed the process of designing – drawing to manipulating on Photoshop to then a concluded CAD visual. I have also really enjoyed looking at fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen, my favourite – Dame Vivienne Westwood and CoCo Chanel  in contrast to Interior designers such as Bonnie + Neil which is whom I based my collection on at the beginning.
The designers I am designing for – Preen are very diverse, some collections are bright and bold digitally and then others a little precise and delicate, – in my opinion.
In addition I have liked experimenting with geometric shapes as I haven’t in previous projects and I think the geometrics with the addition of florals have worked really well.
One of the negatives of this project would be collectively as a group we were pretty confused at times and felt as if it was a constant emotional rollercoaster – wonder what third year will be like aye.
Another negative would be workshops this term – I have so much respect for Maggie and Steve and understand it is hard, steve especially to try and help each individual over the three years. At times there was confusion on what we were allowed and what we weren’t allowed to do in the workshops. After speaking to Steve myself I have a better understanding of everything.
One thing which would be a very good thing in my opinion to do before we break up for the academic year is to have a refresher workshop on how to do a screen. Some of us can do it, some of us can’t and I think it will be an inconvenience in third year if everyone is asking Steve if he can individually help us to make up a screen.
Knowingly I like working on photoshop, scanning my drawings in and recreating them in a different, unique design to then be put into CAD visuals. I had only previously done CADS before and that was on Illustrator when I attended placement – not Photoshop. I was shown by a fellow textile student how to do a CAD visual in the most simplest way and ever since I have really enjoyed practising the process and seeing what my work would look like within the fashion industry this term!
One thing I found very helpful and interesting was the working process to produce a croquis, usually I would show repeats, etc on Photoshop but going back to hand and using the tracing paper (which I haven’t used for years) was pretty amusing!
One thing I do need to do before the hand in in June is to experiment using different fabrics and to choose a fabric which would be good to work with and also tolerable enough to go with my designs.
In addition, another aim would be to research the long list I have for fashion designers and to do more market research on my chosen company – Preen.
I also aim to do produce more drawings over the easter term and to look at other designers across the industry who are using/have used geometric shapes with the addition of florals. I have learnt whilst researching that it doesn’t necessarily mean that I have to add geometrics into my design – it could be the shape of the garment which is geometric.
Furthermore one addition to improve would be time management, even though I tend to do well with attendance in university I still feel as if I could have done more, especially annotating in my sketch book more as I am queen of annotating – one definite thing to do over Easter break.
One thing which made me laugh and test myself this term is the fact I had to be very precise and particular with the colours I chose for my colour palette and not to go out of them as usually my work is very vibrant and unique? I feel as if some of my designs are a little bland in that way – as in colour wise yet overall I am pretty happy with them.
To make me feel a little better about my project is to arrange a tutorial with a tutor to talk about what I have done so far and if it is okay – however saying that Im sure all will be told in the formative feedback we will receive.
Even though I am designing for fashion this term, attending the Chelsea Design show gave me so much inspiration not just for this project but especially for the future even ordering the many samples was interesting as I did not know how to do that before, thankfully one of the third years helped us.
Overall I think my thought of this term has been very positive and this project is a very good way to give us a start ready for third year. I am a little anxious about the Buddy System, yet saying that since working now and then in the third years room, they have been a great help helping a few of us with their knowledge of third year, their projects and their personal view of the course. I think it is a good thing to interact with all years, so maybe next term it will be good to get to know the first years better.
To conclude I am happy and ready to start next term, I shall be doing more research and drawing over the Easter Break with the help of the occasional piece of chocolate!!

Digital Workshop Sessions

Posted: May 15, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Reflection, Subject - Textiles | Leave a comment

powerpoint kecha pucha floral pro finitoooooooooggggjhgjSo the last three or so weeks we have been learning certain techniques on Photoshop and Illustrator with the courtesy of Steve and Ray teaching us! I have enjoyed the workshops but have found them very fast and at times hard to grasp!
I have surprised myself with some of the designs I have came up with and I am happy with the results.
My favourite theme is florals so I was pretty happy when I found out it was a floral based project.
I always seem to be out and about with my camera taking photos so this was the exciting process for me – the editing to transform something completely new or different to the original copy. I have gained more experience on Photoshop and I am starting to feel comfortable using it, Illustrator however, Im still trying to grasp it including some of the complicated tools.
We have to present another  Pecha Kucha presentation but this time it is half of one – a Demi Pecha Kucha – 10 slides, 20seconds per slide.
Here is my powerpoint, I hope it goes well, wish me luck!

Reflection – Field

Posted: May 1, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Field, Reflection, Subject - Textiles | Leave a comment

I have been in mixed minds about this term to be honest! The beginning of the term I disliked, I chose the “The Hidden City” to study and look at as my project as to be honest I thought it was the most morbid out of the three and negativity within art works well. Haha I’m laughing whilst typing this which is surreal to say the least.
Saying that within the last couple of months I have enjoyed making the samples, being in the stitch room and again working with the girls on my course.
I have found it difficult to get motivated at times if Im honest, that is like others not just myself mind.
I feel as if all of us have been confused this term in contrast to last term, we’re all asking each other what is happening and hoping for the best.
I can see all the positive within this project and even though I didn’t have a good experience with the group work I can see the positives within that also.
Within our group like I have previously said there were five textile girls, one graphics and one girl studying fine art.
As us textile girls see each other on a regular basis – we had good communication, yet with the other girls it was either car troubles, their own subject work or just lack of communication. At the end of our Field experience when we delivered our presentation, I can confidently say we were all relieved and satisfied that our group work was over.
I can see by reading over this post that this post is pretty morbid itself never mind the drugs and prostitution I have been researching haha.
We all have ups and downs and I have enjoyed more of the later part of this project, the organising and putting together of my work towards my final piece.
I think my final piece is a good reflection of my work and I am not sure whether I could have done more or less.
My final Piece has changed from the book idea – my final piece consists of five framed pieces – four of my poems and one “good” poem about why a tourist should visit Cardiff!
I have used laminated glass for the four frames portraying the negative lives within the City so I can crack the glass explaining the shattering of the lives.
I hope this comes across well and I think this is a good outcome of my project!

Reflection – Constellation

Posted: May 1, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Constellation, Reflection | Leave a comment

So what have I learnt about my experience within the different movements of the art world?!
I have been very inspired in some of my lectures with Andy – he is very empowering and passionate and that does inspire me!
However I am a Textile student ( Andy was my second choice not first…) and have found constellation pretty challenging in contrast to maybe a fine art student?!
I have found myself coming out of a lecture each thursday feeling overwhelmed and a little emotional feeling pretty unintelligent and a little “thick” at times. The first thing I probably reach for is a glass of Rioja – not a pen or laptop to research what I have learnt.
I have however enjoyed such lectures such as ; expressionism, impressionism and also learning about the Bahaus!
I am strangely looking forward to my essay mind. I have chosen Tracey Emin as an influence from her early work to unto her recent art work. A lot of people find Tracey Emin strange, disturbed and sex mad and when I say that I am writing an essay on her they look a little confused! Emin is very effectual when expressing certain times, happenings in her life (mostly negative aspects) and she has inspired me within my art work to say the least! She has helped me overview certain times and bring that out in my art work with her style – using words as the main focus!
My essay consisting of Tracey Emin and her partnering up with other artists to create such pieces such as Borgeious and Lucas in particular. I look at her blunt expression and feelings coming out in her textile pieces and sculptural pieces she has produced including her feminist role and how she inspires other and upcoming artists. I look at her work with the YBA’s and how a female artist, one of whom produces very sexual pieces of work like Lucas, etc, is or if accepted in the art world in contrast to a male artist?! What is the reaction of the male artists to women like Emin producing such explicit or romantic pieces?!
I challenged the essay and was pretty happy with it, I then contacted Andy where he gave me really good advice and that I need to be a little less passionate and personal and to clean it up a little! Saying that I haven’t done any referencing yet so I need to add that in also!
I need to do so then send it back off to Andy and hopefully it will be a good outcome and good conclusion to my time in constellation!
I have enjoyed my time in constellation it has shown me a range of artists who I wouldn’t have discovered or researched, it has let me out of my comfort zone and I am now a professional note taker! Haha.
Maybe second time round I would rather a constellation choice where the involvement of textiles is more apparent and obvious but it has been a learning experience and that is what university is all about after all!