Bringing it under one roof ... Patterns of Life 3

Some more things coming together - most importantly finding paperwork to enable me to continue with my Google blogs (I'd misplaced my logon details in house move but finally found in one place).

Something else I came across was the above - a Trifari brooch which was in a box of other related items which I'll be mentioning in future posts but for now, I'm just using it for the new website logo (click if you want to see it). Additionally on the website, I've added some basic info regarding this item of jewellery - it's called " Wool Dolls "  - so just click the link if you want to read it. I also forgot I had this I'm my collection:

I'll be finding this in due course too ... a brilliant pattern from the 1940s ! By the way, the website is bringing my digital & practical portfolios together (an on-going current job) which I have decided to entitle "PATTERNS OF LIFE 3". I'm also moving the studio over the next few months ... an exhausting job!!

July 2018 & all has changed !

Hi everyone who reads this. Just to let you know I'm still around albeit my last post was 2016 & we're now over halfway into 2018!

A variety of things have happened - most importantly I've had a replacement hip op August 2017 ... the best thing ever as I now feel 21 again!!! Also our dog died (the one whose fur I was knitting) earlier that year & I moved just before the op!!! Traumatic for everything .... but I'm now back on track & hoping to continue where I left off. My poor favourite pink bottle brush transported well into rented accom garden (in a pot) before the final move & was transplanted into the ground (in the move house) about a month ago. It's now grown a bit & hopefully will do well.

I'm really pleased about this blog as it's meant I've been able to recapture all my thoughts .... albeit currently only in a hurried way. As soon as everything is located & easily reachable, I'll be updating in a much better way. With a house & hip ! move (etc etc) lots of my things have again been into boxes & only recently found & come out to see. The hip bit meant I wasn't able to get the house going as early as I'd have liked but the current weather has meant lots being done now. Many of my earlier ideas & projects are now hopefully "better equipped" ... or should I say - will be soon ... & at the moment, that's all I can say!!!

PS The dog shawl was finally finished, some knitting's been completed, some web sites have been undertaken & a new studio is about to happen!! So not been too lazy!!!

An unusual skin !! ...

While working on the cell the other day, an interesting result was the production of 'skin-like' fabric pieces when the clingwrap was wet. I draped it over my dummy (covered in a black plastic sack) to dry & will have to wait for the end result when I'm next in to look at it !!

Time is not on my side ! ...

I'm currently experimenting with transparent plastics for my cell project - which unfortunately is progressing too slowly! Reasons? ... I've got a variety of 'mundane sewing house jobs' on so unable to get as much time as I'd like to continue with it. However, I do it when I can - currently I'm expanding on this small experimental piece from several years ago.

Samples of fabric meshes now in progress ...

2 mesh sample structures are now progressing - both using scraps left from a previous project. I usually use bits & pieces like this, as they are ready-to-hand & as such, are only being used to test certain techniques.

this sample reminds me of  'stained glass'

this one reminds me of an old-fashioned American quilt

In both cases, the samples are based on a 'MESH' & ultimately (hopefully!) will provide the techniques for several of my on-going projects. In both of the above samples, I am impressed with the way the 'fabric' retains its suppleness as well as having a tendency to 'form' into a 3D shape (this is also providing other ideas for development).

Also, both the above samples remind me of 'hand-made' paper in the way they both "handle" - an interesting side-effect of the work!

Self-portrait: masks ? ...

Last week, while sorting out some of my earlier designs & collating them into order, I came across these of particular interest:

Reviewing the 'self-portrait 2', I've noticed these colours (above left, pink & green) being used as well as the 'eye mask' (above right) idea included too. Reminded of the significance of these 2 images, I soon found myself on Pinterest looking at 'masks' & a fascination I have with them - even from a young age (below one I made aged 7 or so).

These specific thoughts are more significant especially in the context of some 'experimental textures' I want to create - those that appear to be one thing but on closer inspection are actually something else.

I now ask myself the question: "Is this what I'm creatively trying to achieve" ?

Full circle again ? ...

Once more I'm using this image. Here it's to represent having gone full-circle (AGAIN!!) ... but in a different direction with design thoughts not unlike a turning sphere!!

As I subsequently investigate cells in more depth & have ideas for various designs, I find it's beginning to pull me into a geometric world involving equations (my love of maths here), spherical shapes & curves alongside other odd or interesting shapes. Although the plastic & fabric stitched 'nucleus' (Project:Cell) is just starting, I'm also considering other ideas to experiment with as part of this.

Does this possibly account for the constant need to be thinking of other diverse things to make once I've already decided to make something? ............. I think so! Possibly because of a background in sewing (where a garment is assembled in individual sections) & latterly in crafts teaching (where students work on different crafts), I'm finding that I need to have several projects on the go simultaneously. Also, I find that any problems encountered in a particular design are usually resolved when another design is begun.

Thoughts regarding this cell structure ...

Below is a sectional close-up of the start of one of my current projects. It's being made in paper, fabric & plastic - NOTE: the image 'section' was photographed purely at random.

I currently have this piece labelled as 'Project:Cell' & whilst researching 'cell structures', I came to the conclusion that a lot of my visual work to date (ie. current projects) appears to have common themes (which also continue into things I like as well as specific art & design interests I have). In fact, I can now see why I've chosen specific images to be uploaded here. With this now in mind, I intend to focus more on just this & see where it (visually) leads me.

To begin this process (& as a note to myself!), I'm looking at the above image & notice it has unintentionally captured what the overall finished design will ultimately depict:

• intricate patterns (ie. to the left, the distortions in the overlayed pieces of netting)
• unusual & irregular forms (ie. a mix of angular & curved shapes)
• illusion of a 'body' (ie. the central shiny panel depicting a female upper torso with one arm up, the other down)
• an outline or illusion of other forms (eg. to the right, a mask; overall jigsaw patterning)

Cells ...

1. As a result of becoming VERY inspired with this topic, I've decided to start Project: Cell. I'm not sure which direction it will take or where it will lead, but think that to isolate it at this stage may be beneficial.
2. Carrying on from the other day, I've been looking at cells on the Internet & am finding them very enthusing & inspirational. Not so much for the imagery but more along the lines of interpretation as I find I'm immediately transposing them into stitching, fabric or textiles. Also, in looking back over many of my initial designs (both here & in my actual sketch books) - the ones I prefer are those that in some way could be termed as types of "cell structures". I like the way in which together, cells form a particular 'final shape' - not appearing to link to the individual cell shapes.
3. I'm also finding the on-line cell structure patterns are providing me with a sense of 3D interpretation while I look at them - in effect they appear to almost 'move'. Having not opted for any sciences at school, this aspect is interesting me sufficiently to now put pen, paint & ink to paper - an initial start (in Photoshop) can be seen here. Whilst I've been looking on-line, many ideas are now presenting themselves regarding how I can work some of my initial designs. One in particular (a blog entry) now becoming visible to me as (sections) worked in a variety of laces & bubble plastic.
4. It's also of interest to me (while researching a specific insect), to find that a part of it has legs that carry crochets! Not sure where this will end up but am very enthusiastic with this imagery - more so than for some time.
5. Although not in the studio today, I can't wait to get started on this line of thought - it seems to provide me with a specific 'tool' to use!

Patterns ...

The night before last, I watched a recording about Faberge & his Eggs as I love them & his work. As I watched (& began to have some textile 3D ideas forming), so many on-screen patterns seemed to jump out at me ... so many shapes I also have preferences for.

Then yesterday I spent some time writing a magazine article about my work - actually I've completed the initial 'draft' version & now going through it updating & putting in better phrases etc! Whist reading through its beginning (a very brief outline about me) it suddenly dawned on me that one thing I've always been fascinated with is PATTERNS.

Obviously (!), sewing ones but also knitting, crochet, embroidery, lace etc etc ... but not the actual pattern instructions but the shapes of what the results create & form. Those 'shapes' known as bodices - sleeves - cuffs - collars - pockets - bags - tops - mats - scarves - gloves - socks and so on. Typing this now, I'm reminded here of a wall-hanging I made a few years ago that has miniature dress pieces stitched (then embroidered) onto a basic 'dress shape' to form a full-size hanging:

As a dressmaker, I love fabric & consequently the weave patterns as well as any surface stitchery. I also love the inner & created shapes of mosaics, grids, architecture, kaleidoscopes & those patterns formed by mathematical equations with fractals, chaos & space being exciting. From YouTube is this to demonstrate:

And I'm making mention of all this now as I feel it to be extremely significant. I'm not sure why but possibly in the context of a direction where I shall go next or maybe how I continue with Project: Interspection.

Strange bodies & coverings ...

I'm hoping to get some earlier sketches made up into actual artworks - above just one of the ideas. To get some sort of order into their display & so I can see them quickly together too, I've added a few of them in my sketchbook here (click if you want to take a look). At this point in time, I'm undecided what techniques I shall use etc etc but completed 'shapes' being considered are (my use of these words for the ideas): dolls, masks, parachutes, covers.

I've also added more items into my "collections" - as again, they are easier & quicker for me to find here when I'm referencing.

Notes to date ...

Just over halfway through this month - how time flies when your legs are out of action !!!

Anyway, very pleased with all my design & conceptual ideas to date ... all my hard work 'computer housekeeping' is certainly paying off. Images & documents are now much easier to find & add to.

At the weekend I popped into the studio to pick up some books, art materials, old research notes & a box of samples to photograph. That prompted me to start on ACTUAL WRITTEN NOTES about my 'stitches thoughts' as it's a lot easier when you're reading books etc rather than typing on the computer. However, maybe when I've got more underway, I might computerise it using a database of some sort (I think I have one I started from several years ago that may come in useful).

Naturally, reading about 'stitches' resurrected my thoughts on an old research topic started back in the 1990s. Having collected the notes, I'm hoping to have a good read & see if it can be continued as it was sort of an on-going project in the first place! At this stage I can't remember what I've got although I think I may have a lot of it & it just needs a good sort out !! (More on that later)

By the way, the image above relates to the topic of research & immediately seeing it made me think that I will possibly carry on with it  - maybe not along the lines I originally thought!

STRUCTURES: Shape & Form ...

Often having ideas causes me a problem when it comes to them actually 'taking shape'. Thinking about this during the weekend, I came to a conclusion about where I should 'creatively' go next - look at STRUCTURES - SHAPE & FORM.

It seems as if I may be able to get some answers to some questions I ask myself. I'd quite like to start some actual drawings (with real pencils & paper etc) but with my supplies being in the studio, can't get to them easily. The next best thing (& quicker for me at the moment), is to work on this via my camera together with some images I came across whilst 'organising' things.

With this in mind, Saturday I ventured out (as a car passenger) armed with my camera & took shots of what, for me), showed STRUCTURE by SHAPE &/or FORM. On Sunday, I then looked up the definitions (see below) for comparison with what I had thought & captured on camera. It was quite an interesting exercise which I am intending doing more with other than 'initial note jottings'.

Official definitions: 

• STRUCTURE - (noun) arrangement of & relationship between parts or elements of something complex (verb) construct or arrange according to to a plan, give a pattern or organisation to
• SHAPE - (noun) external form or appearance of something or someone
• FORM - (noun) visible shape or configuration (verb) bring together parts or combine to create something

(My) examples of the above definitions:

• STRUCTURE - lines, circles, curves, angles, mental
• SHAPE - buildings, churches, plants, flowers, universe, sky, clouds, water, sea, illusion
• FORM - patterns, mathematic equations (chaos), textiles, mosaics, glass/mirafiori, animal skins, shadows/outlines, reflections, movement, nature

Considering this, today, it also made me realise why I am interested in some of the things I am & for what reason I'm drawn to them. It would appear (at the moment) they all have some things in common so will be looking at this in more detail tomorrow. 

NOTE: I've labelled this entry ART as within my actual filing system, this is where I would normally 'file' this type of information - alongside the image above.

A New Year but not as hoped ...

All my working tools & equipment went off (boxed up & into the studio) toward the end of December. BUT no definite house sale so far has meant not been able to get along to unbox anything PLUS weather has also been against things too.

Undeterred so far, I've been kept busy tidying & sorting things in the house whilst keeping my creative hand in with alterations & practical tasks. I've also been 'end-of-year' computing tasks such as clearing out old files etc etc & I've just come across the 'Dynamic View' for my blog which suits it well!

Today though, after the weekend snow & not being able to get the car down a steep icy slope, things are finally starting to get a little irritant !!!!!!!!!!! I just want to get started in the studio ... retrieve all my things & make sure they haven't disappeared - especially things like this :

- I just hope he hasn't run away!

Hang men ...

Just taking dog out today when noticed the new estate agent had just put their board up. It's one of those swinging ones (very 50s style) like those shown here:

Similar notices

Anyway, it just reminded me of HANGMEN (the game that is) PLUS a general interest in Hangings ... albeit wall type fabric ones or things that hang or wooden gibbet ones.

My first recollection of the word GIBBET was back in the late 60s when a friend mentioned a place called ' Combe Gibbet ' (click here if you want to read more) - the word GIBBET having an interesting sound. Just Googling, I also came across this (an image similar in my thoughts beforehand!):

Metal hangman

Mandala ...

After the revelation of the wardrobe, I suddenly thought of an answer to something that's been floating around at the back of my mind for a good few years (was listening to the track below):

Thoughts to continue .... Experimentation with some natural dyes & a red cabbage led me down the path of designing a personal Mandala. Think this may now be starting to take shape especially when I also found some photos of my Kaleidoscope images.  The changing shapes are fascinating with links to Fractals & some experimental designs I obtained when 'ice-painting'.

Measurements ...

Dot & cross paper

Discussing measurements with someone yesterday re traditional tailoring & pattern making in connection with measurements. Anthropometry came into the conversation - must investigate this further.

Projects ...

1979 - Honesty jewellery

For reasons that will become obvious over a period of time here, projects long overdue are now starting to gather momentum. With over 80 titles of work ready to begin, at this moment in time I'm going to concentrate purely on a variety of computer-aided ideas. Each 'project' will be labelled individually as it takes shape & is 'tabbed' above as " it progresses.


(My note: Because of my personal working method adapted over many years, I have found that having several projects 'on-the-go' at any one time suits me best. Hence ideas & projects here may initially appear to be disjointed - my apologies !)