The set of 9 negative words were seen as being ‘sharp & angled’ & with an “edge” - for this reason, they were drawn having crisp & straight edged letters. Any fabrics selected for each word must contain the appropriate colours & general pattern shapes , as too must any threads for specific stitches as this would reinforce each of the words’ defined meaning. Further sketches led to imagery of a textile patchwork panel made-up from individual letters & words but again, it didn't have any “instinctive overall feel”. Playing Scrabble the previous night, led to thoughts of ‘playing around’ with the emotive words & forming interlinked ones … BUT … QUESTION ... could this be a better solution? A few quick sketches on this idea were also OK but still didn’t really show what I hoped it to … however .. QUESTION .. if this was some sort of idea forming, what colours would be used & on what type of fabrics?
Several sketches of words with a ‘downward’ progression of individual letters forming vertical words were completed - overall representing the ‘negative’ direction each of these words would convey. By writing them down on paper, drawing & generally just “playing” with their letters, a clear picture began to appear. BUT … QUESTION … how to make the words ‘do something’? On a sheet of paper, I changed & altered their sizes & shapes & soon, other words began to appear in amongst the 9 words. I wrote the down separately & proceeded to colour in that first sketch using felt tip pens (see below):
I thought it rather ironic that 13 other words were “hidden away” within those 9 … especially as so many were indeed often “Hidden actions” by those who are angry .. as well as ones forced on those who are were victims!
PUNCH - HIT - GAG - TERROR - RAPE - STAB - READY - BAD - PUSH - GRIP - CUT - ME - YET
As a result of these word exercises, a patchwork (& possibly quilted) panel is now being considered. By using fabric ‘scraps’ (as unnecessary & left-over remains) for the letters & words, I wonder if I may be able to imply “perceived injuries or irrational thoughts” from the negative feelings as they are displayed. More thoughts (whilst completing some alterations) on this, add another technique - appliqué. Both techniques are used for the same purpose … to patch or repair & to apply or cover … 2 methods that are similar but use fabric scraps quite differently by their manner of stitching. Many of the repercussions of Anger feature actions that inflict a physical wound … Cut - Jab - Hit - Punch … & they can all ultimately leave some sort of ‘mark or raised impression’.
