Blog 10: Finishing Up

 Blog 10: Finishing Up

The final Piece ' Habitat Inside Out' is installed in the Wash House Garden of Saltaire village.

It has found its home suspended from the tree where I first heard the blackbird that gave me the inspiration for this piece.

Observing the textile sculpture in place I have reflected and have considered the following points: 

1. Removing the willow and upholstery trimmings was the correct thing to do. The piece did not need the extra decorations. The narrative would be confused if they were included.

2. At the time of installation I removed the fabric ties. They were a distraction. The textile piece did not blend into the tree as I had hoped. Instead of the fabric ties I used jute. This was less intrusive and did not compete for attention with the finished piece.

3. The initial placement of the textile was too low. Once it was placed higher in the tree between two branches it was better placed appearing as part of the tree.

4. It would have been better if the textile piece was longer then it would have been more accessible to people i.e. more people could touch it. Although all could see it and those of more diminutive stature had the advantage of being able to see through it from below.

5. If I were to hang the piece again, I would do it so that, it was able to move more freely in the breeze. It did move, but not as much as I would have liked. The Abakans, exhibited in the Tate Modern 2023, were suspended freely from the ceiling. The body of the sculpture had an internal frame fixed at the top to help retain shape. The free suspension enabled the Abakan to be 'sensitive' and respond to small movements of air currents. 

6. I liked the shadows formed as the sun shone through the piece.  

7. The textile sculpture caused interest and curiosity amongst visitors to the exhibition. There were many questions asked about its construction and materials used, the concept and design.

There were some 'deep' conversations about the inner person and the exterior personality. There was much interest and many suggestions as to where the piece would appear next.

8. I liked the play of light upon the fabrics. Some had reflective qualities.

To follow my design journey please refer to Blog post 1 through to 10.

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