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MacDonald Connie MacDonald
The use and integration of construction and industrial materials into a knitted textile in a practical, yet aesthetically pleasing manner is what I aim to develop during the course of my further study. My undergraduate Design for Textiles degree acts as a practical and solid foundation, with various craft and design classes widening my skill set. I feel my practice within further study is going to build upon and encompass said skills, and my knowledge, in a much more conceptual, abstract manner. Sparked by a passion of brutalist architecture, I aim to focus on materials and construction methods used within the style, as well as being heavily inspired by its form, shape and textural characteristics. The integration of industrial and raw materials such as concrete, cement, plastic, metal, wood, glass and emulsion within a knit structure requires a mixed media approach led by research and exploration of methods and process, extruding possibilities from both the raw material and the knit structure. Not only does the relationship between material and structure greatly interest me, but also the practicality aspect. I am passionate to explore whether using durable, heavy-duty industrial materials whilst combining and amalgamating them with a knit stitch structure may present a use or practical function for the end result. Not only do I hope to build upon my skills and knowledge but also to develop my personal style, regarding use of colour, pattern and research methods.
Constructed Contrast Graduate Project ‘Constructed Contrast’ is a collection of abstract, conceptual knitted fabrics inspired by construction methods and materials. The aim of this project was to create a knitted fabric collection that investigated textural contrasts by using a variety of methods including yarn choice and knit structure. It was also to explore materials in a contemporary and unique manner and the way in which they are translated into a knitted structure and fabric. I drew my inspiration from the theme of constructed structures within an industrial, raw context -primarily researching brutalist, concrete architecture and modern art. Primarily, I developed my research and fabrics influenced by minimalist sculptures, unusual shape composition, as well as architectural structures with their contrasting angles, shapes, assembly methods and use of materials. By exploring my inspirations and possibility, I was able to develop my collection through various experiments and design developments. I investigated multiple ways in which I could incorporate the textures and materials, within construction, into a knitted fabric through fabric coating tests, knit stitch explorations and yarn experimentation. Alongside this, I looked at shapes, patterns and angles, and how these could be translated into a knit, not only through stitch structure, but the overall sample shape and elements. I combined various fabrics together in multiple ways, where the construction of the piece was a primary aim.
SOCiAL Housing textile Project -
Britain’s social housing and its brutalist phase have seen its rise and fall throughout the decades with Sheffield’s Parkhill paving its way for ‘Streets in the Sky’ and London’s Alton Estate being considered by many British architects at the time to be the crowning glory of postWorld War II social housing. As many consider the Scandinavian inspired concrete structures as ‘ugly’, I personally find them and their history inspirational. Not only do the structures themselves hold great detail in shape and form, but also the stories that lie beneath them. The buildings serve a purpose in creating and developing a sense of community and safety, which I think the bold, concrete structures express flawlessly with a sense of intimidation and protection. My aim for this project was to incorporate the shape, form and pattern of the buildings themselves, but also the relationship between the communities by interweaving additional aspects so they work as one. I also wanted to capture a sense of disrepair, slightly fading prestige and loss of respect through the collection that would mirror the thoughts and feelings associated with such buildings and their lack of attention and upkeep. Exploring a mixed media and material approach, I was able to develop my own skill and widen my knowledge regarding the integration of multiple materials into a single outcome.
Shape and form project The aim of this project was to experiment with different methods on a domestic machine to achieve three-dimensional effects, but in a flat form without any fabric manipulation of a knitted fabric. I wanted to investigate the different ways in which I could layer different angles and shapes on top of one another without using the Intarsia technique, but rather partial knitting and casting on and off in selected areas. The project’s inspiration and aims stem from previous projects, in which I have had a similar interest in unusual angles and minimalism but have tended to use either the Shima or V-bed knitting machines. Instead, I was eager to further my skills and knowledge of the domestic machine and the ways in which I could incorporate some techniques with my own strengths. The visual information in which I was inspired from was: modern, conceptual art; sculpture; architecture and photography of very minimalist shapes with interesting angles. The ways in which the layering of the shapes occurred and the overlapping was a particular interest of mine that I wanted to convey and incorporate within the knitted fabric collection.
Shima design project -
This project was centred on learning new skills and techniques using the Shima programming systems and knitting machine. I wanted to create 3D textures in my knit samples that I would not necessarily be able to create easily on a domestic or V-bed machine. For my inspiration, I looked towards fossils as they held such interesting 3D pattern qualities. I took the natural and organic aspects from the fossil shapes and aimed to recreate them with textiles and a bold sense of movement. I used a variety of techniques in my fabrics, such as moss stitch, ripple stitch, ribs and partial knitting.
Connie MacDonald