Beginning to think about influences related to recent drawing tasks, and how to develop different

mark making techniques, considering the ideas of shadow, negative space and line.

Recently visited the Whitworth Gallery, and explored the 'Dark Matters' exhibition. Several 

pieces engage with darkness and shadow through a range of technologies.  I was especially 

drawn to how the artists involved explore different themes within each piece, and found  korean artist Ja - Young

Ku's use of projection to create such ideas, fascinating.

I also liked this 'acid print', 'Nude' , it again plays with the idea of creating shadows,

and appears to have been created from a 'blast of energy'.  The print itself reminds me of some of

my previous acrylic prints I created previously of transvestites . . . . . . 

Some examples of the use of 'negative space' I came across whilst general researching;

I find this concept difficult to put into practice, and hope  to develop this technique . . .

(Michael Atkinson; Letters from grandma)

                     

                Manchester Art Gallery
              
                 
                       Greyson Perry, transvestite artist,  uses ceramics and other art forms to make concealed 
                              comments about social injustices and hypocrisies and to explore historical and contemporary 
                              themes.

                                                I have focused on the fabrics contained in Perry's ceramics, painting up close
                                             studies in watercolour, and exploring images taken from his work, through the use
                                                                             of printing techniques and embroidery.

                                                                    

                                                                      


                                                                                          
                                            Fabric Studies; exploring colour, form and texture, in watercolour and gouache.

                                                                          

                                                                      
                              

                                                           

                     




                                
                                    I chose Canal Street as my starting point for the Sleuths, Spies and Lies project. I began by visiting 
                                                   the street, and collected photographs of the aspects that initially appealed to me.

           

             

    To develop my initial research I began to explore the images I had collected through the use

  of  painting and drawing using a variety of media and mark making. 

Below is a selection of my initial sketchbook pages that informed my development.

Watercolour.

Watercolour.

Watercolour, compressed chalk.

                                                                              
                                                                              


                                                                                         Acrylic Monoprint


                                                                        
                                          
                                                                        
         
                                                                                    

       

       

        

         Collaged print; acrylic, fabric indian ink.

      

       

        Collaged print; embroidery, acrylic print.

Series of prints taken from final project; foundation year. Explores how mothers struggled to 

balance working against the cost of childcare; many volunteered daily at local nurseries.

      

     

 

Thailand project; foundation year, each piece evolved from inspiration gained from a trip 2010. 

Combined the use of acrylic printing, beading, the use of felt, cottons and wire.

After exploring areas of textiles at A level , I gained an eagerness to further my learning and have advanced my knowledge whilst studying to foundation level.  I particularly enjoy the areas of print, knit, weave and embroidery, all of which have influenced the work I have submitted. I am extremely passionate about the designs I have created and would love to build on such ideas if accepted onto this course.  I aim to take full advantage of the excellent facilities I discovered when visiting Manchester Metropolitan University, I have always wanted to study in the city of Manchester and felt instantly comfortable in its surroundings.  I believe I would strive in such a creative atmosphere, I am an extremely dedicated individual and would always aim to achieve the highest standards of work possible.  I have a clear understanding of the possible career paths I see myself working towards, and hope to explore the areas of Styling and Image Making, enhancing my skills, enabling me to become a successful Textile Designer. I place great importance on sustainability in design and where possible use recycled fabrics and materials within my work. I hope to learn more about eco textiles in order to create sustainable textile work in the future.  Aside from my studies I enjoy swimming, reading and hold a part time job at Iceland.  I have a wealth of interest in textiles and believe my efforts will be best placed on such a broad based course like this.