STYLING JUNKIE
For our second assignment we were asked to experiment with different materials and to develop different techniques and processes when using them. Our aim was to create a final piece that is considered sustainable. The first material I chose to experiment with was paper as not only is this a sustainable product, but it is extremely diverse when manipulating it. Its easy to cut and make a variety of different shapes, flexible and can create sharp edges. Â
PAPER MANIPULSTION EXPERIENTMENT
INSPIRATION
EVALUATION
When using paper, was it fit for the purpose of the task? Considering the sustainability of the material it suited the brief as not only were we recycling scrap papers but our ending products were are reusable. When considering the variety of techniques you can use, it is very diverse and allowed me to explore different methods I could use. The aesthetics of using paper I think the visual appearance when using paper not only allows you to create sharp edges but it also allows smooth surfaces. But using different techniques it is possible to create a variety of dimensions, from a 2D appearance to a 3D by simply layering paper upon paper which is a techniques we thought it’d be interesting to experiment with.
OUTFIT 1 CREATED USING PAPER
Applying a flat surface of paper on the manikin
Then we applied another flat surface before creating a 3D dimension
After, we then folded strips of paper a few times to create a sharp edges and a 3D dimension for our outfit
This is what the final outcome looked like.
Characteristics & effects of using paper The biggest characteristic I was aware when using paper during this assignment; was the sustainability of the material, as it is a material that can be reused several times. However, if it is over used it is likely to become weak and easy to rip. The diversity of effects paper can have upon an outfit are surreal, it has the potential to create a sharp and solid appearance but it can also be used to create different objects/shapes if you cut in to it. Evaluating the uses & limitations of paper As I’ve stated, the diversity of paper and its uses are endless. It has the capability of creating pleats, which is a technique we experimented with, as well as creating different shapes just by cutting them out. However I found it difficult to create an elegant and graceful appearance, that would probably be more sustainable with materials such as softer fabrics e.g. chiffon. I also found it difficult to create a tailored, fit to manikin, outfit as though paper may be easy to bend it is difficult to create smooth curves. I think the uses of paper and the outcomes of it are suitable if you’re wanting to create an object that requires neat and sharp edges. Creative potential of paper There is such a wide variety of ways to manipulate paper to suit a brief however, as a beginner of experimenting with paper I am aware that there are methods that are much more complex than others and would need a lot of practice. The arts of origami is proof that the potential of paper is massive.
OUTFIT 2 CREATED USING PAPER
For our second outfit, we wanted to experiment ways of incorporating shapes in to our piece. We we came up with the idea of creating a necklace made out of paper-shaped leaves. To do this we used a pen knife to to cut to avoid wasting unnecessary bits of paper.
FURTHER PAPER MANIPULATION EXPERIEMENTS
After having already experimented with paper, I felt more confident when using it and had a broader mind to the different things I could create. So I began with creating a harness as my base to make it easier to attach items, then I created paper shaped airplanes along with strips of paper that I curled using a pair of scissors.
FINAL PRODUCT
UPCYCLING FABCIS EXPERIENTMENT
INSPIRATION
When using fabrics, was it fit for the purpose of the task? For this experiment we were using items of clothing that were no longer needed, therefore we were recycling items that would usually be thrown away – meaning that these fabrics are sustainable. There was a variety of fabrics we could choose from; from leather to denim, therefore the uses and techniques were dependent on what material we were using. The aesthetics of using fabrics Due to the variety of fabrics we used, the appearance consisted of texture. The PU leather leggings we used for the harness top created a smooth and shiny base, then to create a more detailed appearance we layered it using lace. Pinning the blazer jacket towards the back created a more dynamic and sharp effect. Characteristics & effects of using fabrics The effects when using fabrics can create anything from a smooth surface to a rough and shredded effect. Of course its depending on the fabric you are using. Having used lace within our experiment, it allowed us to play with simplicity and complexity, as well as layering intricate patterns on plain fabrics. I think the use of PU leather can convert a look from being boring to seductive and effortless. The characteristics of PU leather makes it easy to cut and fold, bend, adjust its size/shape. Depending on the thickness of the material, it can also create a soft and spineless effect.
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OUTFIT 1 CREATED USING FABRIC For our outfit we deciding to go for what people may consider a ‘couture’ look due to the nature of it. We created a harness style top by cutting up faux leather leggings and assembling it using staples. Then we went on to alter a blazer jacket by taking off the buttons and cropping the length of the jacket by pinning it towards the back, to create a cape effect.
Evaluating the uses & limitations of fabrics It’s difficult to evaluate the limitations & uses of fabrics due to variety of them, however I think fabrics – due to their structures – are very easy to deal with when creating an up cycled outfit. Some are easier to manipulate than others, for example I found denim hard to work with due to it’s thickness and the lack of shapes it can create however with a material such as PU leather, thin and soft, allowed me to experiment and use it to the extents it allowed me to do so; stretch, hold & cut. Creative potential of fabrics The creative potential of fabrics is massive, as long as you are creative enough to understand ways to experiment with it. Due to fabrics textures and structures, certain materials are best suited for certain looks/pieces. For example if you wanted to create a dress which is less in weight and floats when caught in wind, you would opt for a material such as Chiffon and not for a heavy material such as cotton.
FINAL OUTCOME
To incorporate a variety of textures we attached lace, which we found on a dinner table cover, on to the harness. We then attached a collar, that was originally a sleeve from a shirt, to go around the neck.
PROCESS TOWARDS THE FINAL PIECE
IDEAS FOR MY FINAL PIECE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT After having experimented with a variety of different materials and different methods, I recognized my strengths and my weaknesses; I felt much more comfortable working with old items of clothing, as I felt I was capable of doing much more than I would with a material such as paper. However, when I had researched for ideas on what to do for my final piece I thought the technique of Paper Mache would allow me to create a good solid base for my creation. So for my final piece I hope to create a cast of the human body made out of paper Mache which I then intend to distort by molding it in to having unrealistic body proportions. I want my final piece to focus on the theme of eating disorders, the media and societies expectations. I want my final outcome to reflect the psychological as well as physical, impacts these can have upon a person. My inspiration for this project has come from the artist Judith Shaw, who focuses her art work heavily on her eating disorder and her personal experience.
JUDITH SHAW
SKETCHES OF MY IDEAS
The sculpture of the head covered in measuring tapes
Dress made up of sweet wrappers
Article cut-outs of diet plans and body shaming
A dress made up of measuring tapes
DEVELOPMENT
FINAL PIECE
To begin my piece, I created a cast of a mannequin made out of paper Mache then washed it over using white paint. After letting it settle and dry, I then began to develop my piece into my final idea – which had changed after planning. Unfortunately, due to the difficulty of sourcing a large sum of measuring tapes, which I traditionally wanted to use to create a dress, I decided to split my figure to represent two different messages. One side of the figure, I wanted to make a post-it note dress, representing how society continues to remind us how there is something that we will need to change about ourselves. Then the other side, representing the aftermath of societies daily reminders and the markings, scars, it has upon us, I done this by using the cosmetic surgery
To go along side my sculpture, I wanted to incorporate different materials to emphasize the brief, Style Junky, of this assignment. So I went on to create a head and neck piece made up out of plastic forks, spoons, and knife.
For this assignment, my main aim was to create a final piece with dark messages hidden within them. Though the messages may not be obvious to the audience, I wanted them to question the meaning behind my creation and preferably make them question themselves as to whether they agree or not what has been placed before them, or whether they have experienced something similar. To adapt my messages to the brief, I considered the materials and methods I was using throughout the assignment, i.e. Paper Mache – experimenting with paper by mixing it with a different substance.
PHOTOSHOOT DEVELOPMENT
For a part of my photo shoot, I wanted my outfit to stand along side several other mannequins to signify that there are other people waiting in line for their surgery to transform their bodies. In the background of the mannequins I put a green standing cover up, which would be found in a hospital to emphasize the surgical theme.
Though I wanted to keep my shoot dedicated to still life, I thought it would be interesting to incorporate models within my images. I chose a female model to stand along side the mannequin portraying a distressed look – to signify the pressures laid upon women. The image on the bottom right are to emphasize that this issue is not something that only occurs in women, it can happen to anyone – despite their gender. I also created a cutlery neck brace, as shown on the image, this is to signify how eating disorders have the capability to dominate something, they wear their illness all the time whether that be physically or mentally, I want it to be identified with the
PERSONAL SHOOT For this series of photographs I wanted to represent a witty, slightly sarcastic character. My aim was to play with the sense of feeling sexy now after having surgery, whether I am now accepted, will I continue to be judged. The poses I chose were inspired by magazine cover images, to emphasize medias involvement within the issue I am portraying.
IMAGE EXPERIMENTS
FINAL THOUGHTS When looking through my photo shoot I thought there were only a few good images that would portray the message I was hoping for, of which I have used for my editorial. When editing these images, I used the Photoshop to enhance the brightness, contrast and vibrancy to create a faded effect. In two of the images, I decided to duplicate images to emphasis the repetitive nature of wanting to alter ourselves. After having edited them on Photoshop, I transferred them over to PowerPoint where I then used their filters, ‘Pencil Grayscale’ as I felt this brought a more realistic and self-drawn/thought effect. Overall, I think my final outcome has portrayed the message I wanted to the audience; the dominance and obsessive desire to achieve the perfect body, eating disorders can bring. I think in ways to improve my outcome, I could take several more photo shoots to give me a wider variety of images to edit meaning ill have a bigger editorial.
EDITORIAL