Visual Standards - Merit Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design. VISUAL STANDARDS - Merit

Visual Standards - Merit Level 3 Diploma in Art & Design

Context 1.1 Analyse the requirements and parameters of an art and design project An good brief that shows coherence add an awareness of ambitions and aspirations. There is a breadth of purpose that will be interpreted in a textiles fashion specialism M

Context

Project proposal Section 1: Review (minimum 150 words) Since starting this course I have learnt about garment construction and all of the different skills attached within this field, such as: basic pattern cutting, manipulating fabric and following instructions. I have bolstered my knowledge of contemporary and historical designers and now know how to use the formal visual elements to analyse their work. My drawings have improved greatly, and I have gained a better understanding on how to develop my drawings and designs further. Within this field of fashion and textiles I am waiting to see what develops through my work, and this will inevitably help me decide on what career path I want to pursue in the future. What I enjoy the most however is the textile side of the course. I like experimenting with colourways and the heat press, and translating my drawings into dyes to create fabric swatches and samples.

Project proposal Section 2: Project concept (minimum 250 words) In this project I want to explore the hard nature theme and develop a collection of body adornment pieces; what part of a garment I produce yet I am still unsure of. I have a keen interest in the intricate and delicate patterning on butterfly wings and I want to investigate into this more, producing an extensive compile of objective drawings that I can then develop into textile designs for part of a garment. I will implement the skills I have already gained since starting the course whilst learning and developing new skills throughout to achieve my aims. I will gather primary research, for instance: observational drawings of different butterflies, first hand photographs, and this will form the basis of my developmental textile work. I will use the Internet, books etc. as part of my secondary research, which will give me a clearer insight into my chosen subject. I will also perform visual analysis studies on artwork of butterflies, and explain how that piece of art has influenced my work. Not only this, but how it has inspired trends such as fashion. I will develop my work in the form of textile swatches, samples and test pieces. I may experiment with processes such as; embroidery, printing, fabric manipulation, and possibly using the laser cutter. Therefore, I will need access to the sewing machines, fabrics, digital media like Illustrator or 2D Design, the heat press and the dyes. I will also need the support and constructive criticisms of my tutors. My final body of work will consist of a sketchbook, test samples; and my final pieces.

Project proposal Section 3: Evaluation (minimum 100 words) As part of the evaluation and reflection requirement of this project, I will keep a weekly reflective diary in which I will tell what I have produced, what I thought I went successful and perhaps not so successful; and an action plan outlining my aims for the forthcoming week. When I come to the end of this project I will critically review and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses within my working processes and final outcomes.

Research 2.1 Analyse a range of research sources to support an art and design project The research is thorough and was consistently applied throughout the project at both primary and secondary levels. The interpretation of the butterfly wings is good and explorative but possibly too linear when it comes to contextual referencing but strong in visual as applied to inform ideas. M

Research

Problem solving 2.2 Interpret research activity to develop ideas and creative proposals This showed good levels of initiative and independence in solving problems and a strong level of consideration in realigning the work as unforeseen problems or ideas developed. This was overall sustained throughout the project whether the problems were visual practical or conceptual D

Problem solving

Planning and production 2.3 Demonstrate the ability to plan, organise and develop an art and design project Coherent and self-driven with a strong time line plan. Substantively challenging but realistic in the levels of engagement evident. D

Planning and production

Practical skills 2.4 Apply practical skills and theoretical knowledge and understanding to complete an art and design project within an agreed timeframe Consistent application of skills and understanding which supported an explorative and enquiring approach. A sensitivity to materials and processes showed depth and an awareness of creative thinking towards her outcomes D

Practical skills

Evaluation and reflection 3.1 Critically evaluate an art and design project against the agreed requirements and parameters The evaluative approach was sustained throughout the project both visually and textually. With the final evaluation this showed confidence and skill in decision making in informing ideas M

Evaluation and reflection How did your work evolve? In my project proposal I explored the drawing theme, hard nature. What came to mind when presented with this theme was butterflies. In this body of work I have produced an array of objective drawings and analytical studies which I have developed into textile samples/swatches, designs and fashion sketches. My completed final outcome is a sleeve attached to a bodice. I stated that I would produce a collection of body adornment pieces in my project proposal, however I realised my initial intentions were too ambitious and not realistic in the short time frame I had to complete this project. Therefore, I have only produced a single body adornment piece. What are the strengths within your work? My primary research consisted of first hand drawings and photographs of butterflies, this acted as my starting point. I researched and experimented with different textile techniques and produced two-dimensional samples that stemmed from my developed drawings. Further secondary research included books on fabric manipulation and drafting patterns. The pattern cutting books were useful as they helped me identify sleeve types as well as basic pattern cutting. I was advised to research into papermaking as the result is delicate paper, and this drew connotations to my concept. I am thankful for this advice as my final piece showcases this technique. One way I developed my ideas was through textile sampling, this included paper collages and fabric swatches. Some of the techniques I used were: batik, embroidery, fabric manipulation, tie-dye; disperse dyes on the heat press, dissolvable, stitch. I also developed my ideas through annotation coupled with fashion drawings/ illustrations. I explained processes and justified decisions while I sketched possible body adornment pieces taking elements from my work. I produced an action plan outlining my aims for the forthcoming week which I had to follow in order to complete this project on time. My action plan was successful as I finished my work within the allotted time frame. My research into the designer Lucy Penny was useful as her fabric manipulation work inspired me to experiment with the different textile manipulation techniques such as pleating, tucking, and gathering. I visited a paper exhibition half-way through my project and was influenced by the paper lace hangings made by Brenda Parsons. My research into Greg Lauren helped me understand that paper has similar properties to fabric when constructing garments. This made the concept of incorporating paper into a sleeve in my final design less daunting and more achievable. It was important for me to look at designers when I was developing my ideas because I took aspects from their work and interpreted these into my own project direction.

Evaluation and reflection When developing my ideas problems did arise. For instance, when tacking my paper lace over my leg of mutton fabric sleeve I noticed that the paper flattened the fullness created at the crown of the sleeve because it was too heavy. I overcame this issue by showing that I could insert wadding into a pocket at the shoulder of the sleeve to regain the volume that this sleeve type creates. I have learnt that working needs to be quick paced and efficient. I made my paper lace by hand, massaging the paper to create holes. In industry, this is time consuming and so a laser cutter would be used to cut out a design. I developed my textile samples into fashion sketches of possible body adornment ideas and then problem solved in threedimensional form different ways in which I could put these together. In my project proposal I stated that I enjoy the textile side of the course- experimenting with colourways, using the heat press and producing textile swatches from my drawings. My project however led me in a different direction. In other words, I studied a more neutral colour palette, focused on manipulating textiles and constructed part of a garment. My sketchbook is clear, chronological and shows progression from a starting point through to final piece. Throughout I feel my annotation is strong and reinforces decisions I have made in my practical work. I like the developments of my final sleeve sketches into my final piece. In my project proposal I mentioned that I was interested in the delicate patterning on butterfly wings. I feel I have communicated this concept in my outcome as the paper lace has a complex structure similar to the branches on butterfly wings. How could your work have improved? Additional research that would have helped in this project would include 17th Century fashion and costume design, as my final designs and outcome remind me of the fashion from this decade. If I had more time I would like to produce my final sleeve ideas into a collection of three-dimensional body adornment pieces. I would also like to look into other handmade paper techniques such as paper knitting. This first year has taught me how to handle, prioritise and manage the stress and pressure of meeting deadlines on time. I have learnt how to research, problem solve, plan, produce, make and apply practical skills to my work to meet a brief. These experiences will help me in future projects as I have a clear understanding of what I must do in order to succeed in this industry.