University Projects, Year Three.

Entering into my final year of study, I was determined to find something I was really passionate about. I have learnt a lot about printing processes over the past two years, so I wanted to push my knowledge further and discover new methods and materials.

My inspiration for this project has come from things that remind me of lace, and I have interpreted these patterns into my own ideas which have then been turned into structured prints.  I removed the colour from the pictures to make them look more like lace. For this year I have been experimenting with Puff Binder on various fabrics. I was really interested to discover new textures and material strengths, so have spent a lot of time experimenting.

The following photos show the progression of my experimentation using different inks, materials and techniques.

 

 After I had carried out about 25 experiments I analysed my findings and then chose all the elements that we most successful to take forward. I played with scale and pattern to see what different results I could get. The following use just puff binder on different materials. I have used just black and white as I wanted to focus more on the effect and process than the aesthetic properties.

 

The collection of prints created during the refined testing.

 I set myself to challenges, the first to try to create some form of solid structure to my prints and the second to create a print over 3m long.


 
I created a grid of string which I then attempted to print over. This was unsuccessful as the string was too thick. This idea needs more experimentation. Although some interesting patterns were created, I like the broken shapes and irregularity. 

 




This was the 3m print which threw me quite a few issues but overall I was really pleased with it. 

 After I had accomplished all of my main aims I found that there were even more questions I wanted to answer. I wanted to see what else I could create with my material, so I started to develop structures and boxes.

  These were the first ones created, I made a screen measured to the correct size to create the box so that there was less wastage.  I experimented with layers to see if I could develop the strength and sturdiness of my print. 

















 

I had the idea of creating a continuous print with no seams, however the fabric was not strong enough to keep together and therefore it didn't work. However what I was left with was a 3 1/2m long print which was really fragile and delicate. there are some "sharp" areas that I don't enjoy looking at, but all in all it gave me another insight into the contextual possibilities for my work.