Blog 7 A Visit to Dovecot Studios in Edinburgh
In the exhibition 'Knitwear From Chanel to Westwood' . This Oak Pattern sweater, by designer Di Gilpin,was on display. The detail on the back is interesting and is reminiscent of the woven branches of the bird's nest. Using this as inspiration I revisited the pieces of work I had completed using an old cut up sweater which had been stitched onto fabric.
Since the wool strips were stitched onto a fabric base they were quite flat. Reflecting upon my work I decided to create a structure that was free of the basement cloth. (Image below left)
Considering this sample, it works as a free form piece, but lacks firmness and independent shape. This structure may work if supported or suspended. On a small scale it may work. However the potential exhibition space was outdoors. The Wash House Garden is a reasonably large space. Trees are present and it is bounded by raised stone planters. These are filled with shrubs and plants. In order for the textile art to have impact it needs to be larger. In its 'What we are looking for' section, Saltaire Inspired Arts Trail website states;
"Gardens and public spaces may be offered to show larger sculptural objects and installations."
Although meeting the brief in terms of using recycled materials, i.e. discarded wool sweaters, I feel this structure would need to be much larger to have visual impact. If larger then it would stretch out of shape under its own weight.
Perhaps other textures should be incorporated and this may be the next step.
The image above right is reminiscent of the birds's nest - I like the spaces created between the strands of wool. This sample is again too small and fragile for the intended exhibition space.
Experimenting with jute and upholstery fabrics. I like the open structure of this piece.
Using more than one strand of jute gives the piece strength. It could be exhibited outside.
I am using remnants of upholstery and soft furnishing fabrics and 'oily end's from a woollen mill. The jute is quite flexible and changes shape when held up and begins to lose the openness I wanted. The spaces are becoming important to me. If I twisted or plied the jute it may better retain its shape.
I need to scale up. Channeling - Magdalena Abakanowicz
In Blog 6, influenced by the work of Judy Tadman, I had tried to crochet wool, which proved too soft and stretchy.
I then tried to crochet wool around a core fibre. (Blog 6) I liked the structure created. During a presentation, fellow FdA Textiles Practice students gave feedback that they were intrigued by it.
I am thinking about the soft furnishing fabrics in homes and have obtained some from shops who were discarding their old sample books. I have also been given old curtains and cushion covers.
I like the idea of using these unwanted fabrics and giving them a new purpose. It also fits the brief given by the representatives of Saltaire Inspired the charitable organisation responsible for the Saltaire Arts Trail
I wonder if I could crochet with strips of the fabric? I liked the appearance of this sample. The texturees and patterns created an interesting surface. The fabric was firm. However, when I placed the piece under tension there was a too much 'give' and stretch between the individual crochet stitches. I had used a 1.5cm hook. To make the strips thinner and therefore attempt a tighter tension would mean that some of the pattern would be lost. I tried to use thinner strips. The loose woven fabric fell apart.
I found another length of washing line, (appropriate for the Wash House Garden!). I stitched together lengths of fabric and began to crochet them around the washing line core.
The structure created was firm. I could push the fabric along the length of the core. There was very little stretch.
The fabrics were stitched together in a random fashion. The pattern and texture of each fabric is discernible. An added texture is created by the frayed edges.
I think this may be the technique I will use. So I intend to make a larger piece.
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