Coral Exhibition - Manchester Mueseum

Today I went to the Manchester Museum and to the coral exhibition. I found it very useful in terms of my current project as lots of the shapes that I found were relevant to my project. In particular the brain coral and orange tube coral. I documented the visit and plan to use my research when producing further samples. The organic yet organised shape of coral has an interesting quality that I want to explore.

Development Samples

I have begun to think further about how I will be incorporating colour within my samples and more specifically how to apply colour. In this sample I applied painted water colour on and then gathered the piece together. Whilst on the right, I applied colour after it was gathered and used it to print. I preferred the results when colour was applied before gathering as the tones feel more muted.

 I also experimented with using found colours. I created this sample which as it turned out to be long and thin, could be used as a bracelet or cuff? I need to start thinking of a concept in which my work could be used.

Final Colours

Here I have selected my final colours that I want to use.  I used watercolours when experimenting with applying colour to the rubber matting. I liked the print that was left behind in my sketchbook. These colours are also found colours which is what I wanted as I am mainly using found objects.

I coloured the geometric print to see how colour interacts together and also to think about proportion across the project. This reflects upon images from Leutton Postles work too as I wanted to colour to be inspired from their previous collections.

Organic Influence

I've started to think further about how I can use an organic influence. I was given this picture of a Bridal Veil Mushroom by a friend. The resemblance to the rubber matting and some of my samples is incredible. I really like the areas of negative space and surface of the plant. I have been sketching this and some samples to improve my understanding of the space and surface. Here is some sketchbook examples of what I have been up to.

I want to use this organic influence within my samples so everything isn't as regimented and straight. I like the loose qualities of the mushrooms as well as negative space in the images.

Playing with angles

I produced a few drawings in which I experimented with a protractor and using angles.
I also used these drawings on photoshop to experiment with my colour pallets.

I like how this has started to look organic although the shapes and structure are very measured and calculated. This develops my theme of geometry and gives me further inspiration. I want to look into how nature uses similar themes.

Colour Research

I started playing around with colour pallets. I used two images from Leutton Postle's research blog to inform me. I liked the the colours that are used within the photographs but I want to include found objects within my research and this limits me in terms of colour. I played around with recycling some old colour pallet ideas but I wasn't happy with the shades. I want to combine the ubove colours, to create bright and bold fabrics. 

I think I need further research into the materials I will be using in order to decide what colours I want to use. When using found objects, this often informs the colour pallet. 

Rubber Matting

Time has been a major factor affecting me in this project. I only have 4 weeks to complete the project - half what I have been used to. The brief also mentions that the final product needs to be quick and simple to produce. I want to begin playing with materials as that is how I learn most efficiently. Trial and error helps me to make informed choices about my samples.
I want to use the structures of Geodesic Dome and ideas about geometry and places of worship as starting points. I found some scraps of rubber matting whilst rummaging through an old box of materials in my house. The shape of it initially caught my eye as the square forms directly reflect upon my research.
I started to play around with the scraps that I had found and began to pair them up with other found materials to begin the experimentation process.

I began by bunching material together and photographing different angles. I want to explore 3D as well as 2D.  I then started to build first using safety pins and explore the properties of the rubber matting.

I am very interested in surface. This materials gives me lots of options to explore as it is a versatile material. Negative space is important to consider when using this surface.

Next I want to develop a colour pallet as this is necessary in relating the project back to the brief. Using Leutton Postle's colours as a theme I will be able to create samples that will slot into their collections and answer the brief.