A very first experiment !!

Here's the first experimental/test video to record some of my work (click to view) - apologies for its content but it's something I've never done before & I'm getting to grips with the software ...

I especially like the effect of the 'lighting' clips!

Re-using "repeating" old samples ...

In my 'odd samples' box for reworking/resurrecting, I came across this & thought it totally represented one of my current ideas for 'Project:Cell'. (Something I personally discovered many years ago, was to keep old samples & techniques unsuited for a current project as it may be something suitable for another later on!)

It's basically a 3D collage in papers & paint - the background (the carpet) also (now) included within the imagery. I've found several processes repeating themselves within the way I'm working & feel it to be of some significance.

Samples for machine embroidered 'cells' ...

Working on some curtain headings inspired some initial thoughts on machine embroidery in the context of my current 'cells' project. Having a few oddments to hand, they were ideal for some first samples & experiments especially as the fabrics are lightweight & ideal for distressing.




Here's the circles of fabric cut away from a test swatch when adding rings to my curtains. With the addition of the double layer of sew-in interfacing, these swatches are ideal for machine embroidery etc.









Here I've cut away some sections - holding up to the light, they are perfect starting points for my 'cells' I'm working on. I've also some ideas for further working - but can't get to do it til next week!





I've added some water colour to these samples & quite like the effect that's being achieved. More ideas stemming from this will also have to wait until next week.

Cell luminosity result ...

Sampling + thoughts of 'transparency' have inspired this & a few other computer enhanced images.

Cell luminosity in progress ...

In the studio yesterday, the tissue & paper sample had dried from last week & was ready to work on although I was a little apprehensive regarding whether it was going to achieve what I hoped. I used some crayons & ink & left it to dry for a while.

Above is how I then saw it but knowing something more would appear under specific lighting, I photographed the next step! (sorry for the orange & green 'bits' beyond the black paper upper right, but its not part of the design!)

Buttons pinned in polystyrene ...

Modern buttons pinned or wired on polystyrene block

Using utility stitches ...

Rows of different utility stitches worked in various colours

& some worked on cotton gingham

Encapsulating textile & papers ...

Above: Encapsulated photo in fine plastic using various utility stitches

Encapsulated paper & photos between various sheer fabrics with addition of machine embroidery

Couching machine use ...

A variety of cords & knitting yarns are couched (surface stitching) onto net

Crazy patchwork using men's ties ...

Random hand-stitched patchwork for a slipper from a WWII pattern & using old ties

Or nue ...

Hand stitched Or Nue using machine metallic thread

Machine lace: Free form sewing ...

Samples of free-form lace using sheer fabric & metallic thread

Dyeing with bleach

Discharge dyeing using ordinary bleach on black ottoman fabric. A stencil of the shape was made before applying the bleach - when complete it was outlined in metallic thread

Darning on net ...

A typical 'darning on net' sample using a collar pattern from WWII Make-Do-&-Mend Magazine

Felting that resembles zebra skin ...

This is a small off-cut of handmade felt in black & white - finished it resembled an animal skin

Random Patchwork: with Machine embroidery ...

Scraps of cotton fabric randomly stitched down on interfacing using various utility machine stitches

Buttons: Display ...

Odd vintage glass buttons placed decoratively on organza