Interim evaluation 1

After trying to tackle a hard social issues by undertaking a deep level of research and working out how best to visually communicate this within context of practise. I have found that I get burnt out quickly and struggle to get the work up to a high standard that im happy with. So I want to create work on much lighter subjects, focusing more on narrative and the idea, whilst mastering the techniques I use to make the images. One of my aims is by the end of this module is to have designed a collection of silk scarves. Incorporating image and narrative onto textiles is something that I am trying to grapple with and am going to continue to do. The reason behind wanting to design silk scarves is it a simple way of applying narrative illustration onto commercial products and once it is on fabric it is easier to visualise being applied to other fashion based products. Scarves also have a simple format, they are just a square. This means that I will be able to create multiple designs that can be applied to other ideas, such as wrapping and wall paper , product packaging. This all however need to be research. I need to find a target audience, an appropriate theme and investigate how the images could work on different products. Currently it appears that the overall project will be extensive but split up into shorter briefs. From working on the ohh deer brief I am starting to develop an idea of how the scarves could be and work like. Even though the patterns used in the development don’t have any narrative, they still help with understanding how the composition could work. More importantly at this stage is how the silk acts once it has been printed on. I have found that it is better with some binders than others. Printing with too thick a binder means that the fabrics flow is hindered, but also with the ink being think and bold it doesn’t have that natural transparency that occurs within the material. Playing with the fabrics has also allowed me to see one dyed how the different colours work together. Natural dyes have a nice subtle tone to them, but depending on the narrative I find to work with , a bolder more colour using direct dyes would be better. You also get more verity with this form of dyeing. Having this time to experiment I think it vital to my practice. Your still producing work but with a less intensive subject and theme, and by doing this I am start ot really gain an understanding in the values of take that time out to explore, play and have a break from  working with the hard hitting projects.