Valentino: Master of Couture Exhibition

While in London, I also went to the Valentino Exhibition at Somerset House. Unfortunately, I wasn't allowed to take photographs inside.
However, I would definitely recommend a visit. On display were 137 of Valentino's dresses with references to whom wore them. There was also a collection of his drawings and videos showing techniques that were used whilst making the dresses. 

I found the exhibition very interesting and it was great to see all the various techniques and ways of manipulating fabrics. It tied in very well with my current project on the manipulation of fabric and there were plenty of inspiring things to help me with ideas for future work.






First Image reference: 
love-for-fashion.blogspot.co.uk

Helen Jackson

This work by Helen Jackson was on a Somerset College stand, displaying third years work. Again, this is a wooden material that has been used differently, the pieces are about form. The form of an animal has been used and repeated in order to create a very interesting decorative surface. I like how the form is in negative and positive, you can't quite tell what part is what. This reminds me of a drawing workshop I had where I was concentrating on form and thinking about positive and negative spaces. I love the pieces and they make me think about how I can continue to use form and space into my textiles rather than just in my drawings.

Angular Blanket

This angular, geometric blanket from Elisa Strozyk was very interesting. The blanket looks as though it would be awkward and uncomfortable to sleep under however because of the way it has been constructed, the blanket would actually fall around you.The blanket is half textile and half wood, with the wooden pieces being attached to a textile base. This means the blanket can move and form in unexpected ways and shapes. It is almost like a living thing in how it is propped up on the bed by itself with nothing underneath.

I find the form of the blanket very interesting. When it is positioned (as seen above) you would think the piece quite solid and structured but when you start moving and playing around with the material, it's the total opposite. This makes me think about how I could create a quite a versatile material or to start playing with repeated shapes and seeing how multiples can be used differently creating new, exciting ideas.

Effectively Constructed Surfaces

I found these surfaces very interesting. The pieces have been made up of the same repeated shapes angled in different ways. Depending on how the pieces have been positioned determines how light and shadows fall on areas, creating a image or larger shape within the work. I like how simple, but effective this idea actually is. Up close and far away this surface is interesting and draws you in. It makes me think about how I could create lots of one repetitive thing and play around with positioning to create an exciting now surface to work on or use as a sample.

Objects Trapped in Glass

I found a few stalls in the show that had objects trapped in glass. To me this is quite an interesting idea. The two companies that stood out the most to me were 'Objects in Glass' (below) and 'Notarianni Glass' (above). 

I love how the fabrics have been caught in the glass above. It looks like they are mid flow in the wind and I think achieving this effect in between glass is extremely interesting, it's preserving the movement. To get an idea of pricing, 'Objects in Glass' said they would charge £1000 for a door.

Above are my two favourite trapped in glass pieces. The phone which looks like it has exploded is great, it is as though the moment has been frozen in time. This also reminds me of Cornelia Parker's 'Exploding shed' but in a small, more contained area. The image on the right is a much more natural piece with grass trapped within the glass. This would make a beautiful screen in a house or feature in a commercial building.

Trapped in the glass above is Pasta! This was really interesting because I initially saw the glass from a distance and saw a multi toned pattern. It wasn't until I got up close that I realised the objects within the glass were Pasta. This shows an interesting use of materials and also says something about looking at work from a distance and seeing how it changes and what else you can get from it.

I have been thinking a lot about how I could bring this kind of idea into my work on a cheaper budget. My current work is looking at trapping and different ways I could do this as well as now beginning to work a little more on a 3D basis. I could look into using materials such as acetate, perspex and resin to create this trapped, 'floating' effect.

Surface Design Show, 2013

Yesterday, I went to the Surface Design Show at the Business Design Centre in London.

Below is just a small selection of the photographs I took. 

These photographs are just a small collection of the textures and surfaces that most appealed to me at the Design Show. I love the qualities of each piece and out of all the images I took on the day, they are the most appealing to me.

My following posts are based on some of the most interesting things I found at the show and my thoughts on them in terms of why I like them and how I can start bringing these new up and coming ideas into my work.

Eggshells?

I have included this image of the piece of work 'What Came First?' by Kyle Bean as I found it when flicking through a magazine. I thought it was an ingenious and unusual use of materials which relate so well to the subject matter. The piece is made up from eggshells and papier mache. The eggshells would have been such a delicate material to work from and so the papier mache would have been used to add some strength to the work. 

I love the final look of the piece of work as well as the eggshell pieces look like separate feathers and the different tones add to this effect. 

The work is very fun and would have taken a fair amount of time to construct. The piece definitely makes me think about how a material can relate to a subject matter in a fun, innovative way. 

Image Reference:
Craft magazine, No 235, March/April 2012