A2 Coursework; Alexander McQueen Artist Research

As part of my artist research work, I've focused on Sarah Burton and how she creates pieces for the Alexander McQueen brand, using this as inspiration for my textile copies. From this, I took experimental photographs and then observational drawings, focusing on things such as high collars, long trains, and using her ideas of contrast and juxtaposition in my work.

 I analysed her AW14 collection, before creating the same kind of patterns and colour in felt, couching and batik work, and these have inspired my further along in my coursework when experimenting with fabrics, colours and shapes.

A2 Coursework; Tree Experiments

Part of my focus into fairy-tales looked at symbolism, such as the idea of an 'enchanted forest'. After looking at artists like Lesley Richmond whose focus is on woodland, I went out and took photographs in a forest, before drawing from my observations in both pencil and water colours. 

I developed the colours and shapes from the water colour drawing, creating a batik piece similar to it. Other textile experiments I created included a mono-print of tree branches, and also a mixed media piece where I tie-dyed the background, then used wool, scrap fabric and beads to embellish leaves and branches onto this.

A2 Coursework; Paper Witchcraft Project

As part of my experimentation, I looked at exhibitions that had been held where students had created dresses made completely out of paper, by folding, ripping, gluing etc.; and the pieces inspired me to try my own. 

After researching to get ideas, I first experimented with tearing, gluing, ripping, folding etc., until I found the techniques I liked most. Then, using inspiration from my artist’s research for shapes and dress styles of witches, I created some design ideas, and refined them to my final paper dress design idea.

A2 Coursework; Tree Drawing and Experiments 2

Carrying on my research from the trees experiments and drawings I created, I decided to do a massive A2 drawing of one of my photographs, using pencil sketch, wax crayons and pen. I looked at the shape and form of the tree, where I needed shading or lighter areas and how the perspective of looking up the tree trunk could be translated. 

From this, I focused on tree bark, and copied this into textile form, creating too pieces made from batik and felt, which both looked at the brown colours and textures created by the materials. These drawings and experiments had inspired me to refine the ideas, and how I can incorporate them when I start my final design ideas.

A2 Coursework; Final Paper Dress

After researching and experimenting with the paper, and also creating my final dress design idea, I started to create my own dress made from papier-mâché. I used the paper to build up layers adding texture, and the style of the dress with the high collars and puff skirt was inspired by my artists Alexander McQueen and Sapto Djojokartiko. 

The final dress reflects a modern day ‘witch’ style, and the layers and texture is extended from my studies into trees and nature.