Over the course of this first module we have been producing work that is related to the theme of Africa. I start my journey off by researching African masks as i thought that the shapes that were incorporated within them would be a good starting point for my project. However i found this limiting so i them began doing some research into the different tribes in Africa. I discovered that all of there shapes and patterns that they wear have a meaning and tell a story. I liked this idea and wanted to use those shapes in my work to give it depth and meaning.
We began by making collages which i felt helped me chose my colour theme as i used lots of bright colours. Through the imagery that i was looking at i saw that they wear elaborate colours and bold patterns.
I began to draw and create different stencils that i wanted to take into the print room to then screen print. I sent a lot of time in the print room as i wanted to layer up stencils and add foils and flocking to certain designs. This process takes time as you have to wait for things to be dry properly to get the best results so i had to learn how to be patient. I also coated up a screen with uv to allow me to do multiple prints of the same design. You can add more detail with a uv screen rather than a stencil. However the drawings i put on my screen were a rushed decision. If i had the opportunity to go back and change them i would as i found they were awkward designs to work with.
I feel that i have come a long way and made good progress with the stitch workshop as before starting university i had only ever used a sewing machine once. I have achieved a lot in the last 9 weeks and find myself enjoying stitch rather than avoiding it. I can set up my own machine and use it in multiple different way. I have learnt such things as a pintuck, felting, how to do free embroidery and how to use disolvables. In the begin of stitch i couldn’t work out how i was going to link what i was creating back to an African theme but then i realised that it didn’t have to be a perfect picture that i was creating it could just be simple pattern ideas. I also then began to work on top of some of my screen prints that i had created to add more texture and depth. I found myself being nervous to do this at the start as i knew that i wasn’t as confident as others using a sewing machine but i took my time and i am happy with the outcome.
I feel that over the course of this project i have learnt that what i create doesn’t need to necessarily be a thing. What i create can just be a mix of shapes and lines put together as a group to then come together and form a pattern. As the weeks went on i understood the expectations and how the course work a little more.
Chiodi's Textiles Blog 