'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.

Oblique Strategy - Make some implied more definate

After manipulating QC Wax Arch oblique strategy, the next task I was given was ‘’ Make something applied more defined’’.

To follow through – this time I had to manipulate Belgin’s original freestyle structure, but with QC ‘Unacceptable Colour’ applied onto it.

Below is the outcome of QC strategy

Initial thought on approach and what I can do with my given oblique strategy

○       As no colour was applied to the actual ‘stretch structure’, can I apply colour to it to make it more ‘defined’?

○       What will the colour and application method be?

○       Will I colour the background to make the structure the focal point?

○       How can I make the structure more defined and stronger?

○       Do I coat it with another layer of glue to secure and harden it?

○       Do I outline the shape of the structure?

○       Should I apply my previous knowledge and techniques to it?

This time I need to be brave and more brutal in order to achieve the best results !

Think… think… think… I have one week to accomplish this mission



Oblique strategy … 15 Candles and 1 Fold

'Retrace your steps'

After a week of preparation, thought and experiment with the wax, I decided to create a layered structure to represent my ‘Retrace your steps’ Oblique strategy.

Rewind was the first word I thought of when I got this rule- and when I think of rewinding, I think of layers repeating itself- or the past circulating round and round.

To achieve this effect, I purposely built my structure in layers of wax to reveal a story of progression and shape manipulation. The image below shows the 7 different layers I created to achieve the final piece. Each piece was then stacked in layers to create a ‘curling’ effect.

This piece is named after its properties and manipulation method... '15 Candles and 1 Fold'

Throughout this creative practice, I have been focusing on the idea of repetition, reflection and the ununiformed- to retrace, I purposely looked into these areas of my research and by strongly focusing on the purpose of the ’freestyle structure’, I recreated and shaped the wax in a ‘folded’ manner.

This piece carries 2 meanings. Visually it shows growth and movement within each layer, thus giving the meaning ‘retracing your steps’, however, it is the meaning behind this piece which I treasure more. Initially I didn’t think of this idea, but after encountering some problems and failure to achieve my initial goal, I evolved and progressed further into this strategy. For the past 2-3 weeks, I have been experimenting with the idea of folding blank sheets of paper- it was not until I started playing with a folded experiment that I realised ‘unfolding’ was an art in itself. To fold, we create a step of procedures, but to unfold, we repeat the same procedures in reverse. I strongly wanted to carry this concept forward as it not only works parallel with my freestyle structure concept (folding), but also bring in the idea of casting and moulding which I experimented weeks ago.

I think I have fully fulfilled the brief given to me this week. It has not only given me more confidence with the idea of folding, but has also opened my senses to the use of a new material – wax; a material I would never associate with fashion or art (apart from wax crayons). There is so many ways to deal with this material, and because of the nature of the material- it is very easy to create or destroy it.  Through experimentation – when I was not happy with the shape of the layers, all I had to do was melt it again. I really enjoy the idea of recreating something with the recycled or damaged parts of the artwork – mentally it becomes something with life, purpose and meaning.

Though both structures (freestyle paper fold and this wax model) carry a folding technique, the outcomes of each are very different. To me, ‘15 candles and 1 fold’ is very soft, elegant and fragile and takes me to fairy tale scenery whenever I look at it. It’s also very calm, quiet and relaxing to look at. The paper structure in reverse is very harsh, strong and sharp. By comparing the 2 variables, I think it will be quite interesting to combine both opposites together – possible experiment more with the wax to try and achieve the paper fold lines.

Improvements?

There are always room for improvement, for this piece, I think it will be very interesting to see what colour can do to the visual aspects of the model; could the colour be in blocks, gradient or marble? Could each layer be in a different colour? Who knows…  oh and also, when I was buying the candles for this piece, I accidently picked up the scented ones, but then put them back down… would scent create a different outcome? Could I incorporate scent in the next experiment?

What next?

I really found this oblique strategy useful and challenging. Without it, I don’t think I would’ve produced a model like this or to even think of using wax in the first place. To further progress, I want to experiment with colour and fabric. Whiles I was making the layers, I accidently spilt wax over some of my clothes, but because of this, I saw some further potentials in what wax can do to fabric and it is this which really excites me. (* you will just have to wait for my results)