'Soulless'

'Soulless'- image at bottom is QC unacceptable
colour oblique strategy outcome

Make something applied more defined

After a weekend of thinking, I studied QC’s colour images to get inspiration. I’ve noticed that on every computerised image, she has applied a layer or effect to it to achieve the outcome. Looking through, I noticed that one of the images resemble a plastic shiny layer on top. By comparing this effect with the experimentations I have been undertaking, I decided to apply a layer of wax over the stretch structure.

Reason for wax and reason for choice of method

○       The dried effect of wax is similar to plastic … shiny, glossy, slippery

○       It will be a good opportunity to experiment ‘wax’ further

○       I can start looking at the properties as suggested in my first ‘Oblique Strategy’ outcome

○       Wax can stiffen the structure of the stretch and harden the edges to make it more ‘defined’

○       The original image had an ‘applied’ layer on top, good to ‘define’ this image by applying it to the original piece

○       Slime green was chosen as this was the colour of QCs experiment

○       Really wanted to carry forward my new learnt knowledge of wax

Soulless is the given name to this piece. Reason being the fact that it once belonged to a different environment with a purpose-however, this piece to me now resembles something that has been possessed by another with no soul and just a given shell.

While I was painting the wax onto the fabric piece- I had a lot of ideas running through my mind. These are the things I could do to improve and develop this piece and concept:-

○       Could the wax be in different layers of density? Will this make certain areas of the fabric stiffer and certain areas more draping?

○       What if it was in a layer of different colours- or colour graduation?

○       What if there was no fabric under the wax – could clothing be made of wax on its own?

○       How can I created a ‘fashion’ looking piece with the use of wax- can I coat a modelled layer first and then remove it?

○       Does the wax piece have to be eternal? Can it disintegrate and melt over time? What will this imply?

○       Does the wax even need to cool down?

○       What if the wax was sandwich between 2 layers?

○       Can I coat a fabric with wax to change its properties? What will happen to the drape of it?

○       What patterns can be achieved with wax? Will it be same as casting?

 

Again- there are so many opportunities and experimentation I can do with this material. Should I carry this idea forward to the final structure?

What next?

With the final oblique strategy accomplished, the next task I have to do is to plan what to do for my final piece.

Looking through all my technique and experimentations, I think I have the most interest in investigating the properties of Wax. Not only is it a challenging material to deal with, I am also very intrigued as to whether a ‘fashion’ collection can be created from it. Though I have selected ‘Wax’ to be my initial material – all techniques learnt in ‘Creative Practice’ module will be considered to strengthen knowledge and understanding of the final piece.

To further understand – I will need to start doing some secondary research as to how other artist and designers have used wax either in an artistic context or in a fashion concept.

I really cant wait to see where my research will take me ! ^___^

Evaluating my oblique strategy against the piece I have manipulated – I think I have accomplished my task effectively. As QCs final prints had a layer ‘applied’ onto them- translating this applied effect to ‘define’ the structure was the best way to strengthen the 2 together. Although this maybe slightly literal- I feel I have learnt a lot on wax properties and what I can do to fabric as well . Without this experiment, I don’t the above ideas will spark as quickly.