UNIT 7
WEEK 22
12/02 | Study Support
Attending study support allowed me to gain an insight on the subject I could focus on for the unit 7 project. After looking at the unit 7 powerpoint lecture specifically the topics students have addressed in the past, I picked a few which interested me the most such as: marks of growth, body, touch and movement and sense of existence. From this, I made a mind map with the academic support lecturer, Pauline. This activity gave me the opportunity to brainstorm my ideas for each potential subject and I felt that for ‘marks of growth’ I gathered a lot of ideas and was a subject which can provide an ongoing thinking process compared to ‘body, touch and movement’.
What I learnt?
From one main topic, I realised I can branch into many other sub topics. What i thought was crucial was to be specific with which sub topic to specialise the project in but looking at the main topic, 'marks of growth' in various ways makes me gain a large body of broad research as at this stage, the beginning to the project I have yet to find out what I want to focus on. This is also useful as it showcases my progress, after looking at many sub topics such as: growth and time before I narrow all those topics down, a consolidation in a direct aim.
For example, what interest me was the idea of nostalgia, addressing memories and experience fascinated me and was a theme which i personally felt can be not only relate-able for myself but for other individuals of the same age group. Thinking of addressing a audience and sharing those similarities, I felt was quite unique: to do a project which focuses on coming of age as I am and those other individuals are experiencing now.
14/02
15/02 | Lesson
Tutorial with tutor
Tutor Feedback
16/02
Larry:
Listening to ‘Dark Side of the Moon’
The song ‘time’
Lyrics resembles concept of time
Younger have all the time in the world, endless
But when u grow up you want time rushing to find time
But time is dead
17/02 | Proposal: Interviews
Interview questions:
18/02
WEEK 24
26/02 | Lesson: Feedback
What did today's workshops highlight with in your projects weaknesses? Strengths?
Have you identified any new materials to explore?
What changes will you be making to your proposal after the workshop?
Possible further interview questions
- Have you ever felt as though you lost your identity through love or a feeling you thought was close to love?
- Do you think one would experience lost of identity through love or after their love is over (fallout)?
- Do you think teenagers experience lost of identity?
- Have you experienced a feeling of loss before?
- What examples of lost of identity can you name?
- Does leaping into the sky represent lost of identity?
- Or is leaping in the sky represent the freedom of not feeling lost?
Alcoholic: cannot control yourself or think of anything. Lose control, when you fall you cannot control yourself, help them to control their feelings and movement.
Lost of identity is a subject within coming of age that i want to focus my project on. I chose lost of identity because i saw the leaping figures in the sky as my most interesting research sources. Lost of identity is a subject i wish to explore because i had thoughts on how in current society, teenagers face large amounts of pressure. They confront on a daily basis the many expectations they need to exceed. From this, I started thinking about what topic i could concentrate on within lost of identity as the subject itself is broad. I explored the dark side of what lost of identity could involve. For example, depression and anxiety are two things that many teenagers experience and the idea of suicide.
On the one hand, I feel as though, these topics were sensitive. If i were to go down the route of analysing depression that
I thought what would be interesting was if i explored lost of identity within first love. But because i have not experienced a first love,
27/02 | Lesson: Research workshop
Group activity 1
'Identity' is my group name and is a subject that everyone in my group shares similarities with. In this research workshop, we each bring some research images. We were given tasks
Looking at other group's research
Group activity 2
Silent -> Noisy
Original -> Distorted
Restriction -> Movement
Physical identity -> mental identity
Reflective questions:
Did the workshop highlight any aspects of my project that i had not yet considered?
I think looking at other people's research informed me on new artists and designers that I could incorporate in my body of research and bibliography. For example, the works of Mircea Cantor showcased a group of girls with brooms which relates to my concept on the stages from becoming a teenager to adult specifically, girlhood to womanhood. The research did not particularly move
Did the workshop highlight any new interpretations my research?
Did the workshop help me identify new areas of research?
Did the workshop change the direction of my project?
Changes to project proposal
Tutorial| looking at project proposal and general concerns
The first paragraph for project concept and description was discussed and the tutor suggested to remove this and start with the second paragraph as the start to make the writing concise and the mention of 'tangible connections' was confusing as the main focus was how young people feel a sense of loss.
Conclusion to what I'm making
- Rather than thinking about feeling lost, 'fluctuating identity' is a better name.
- Vulnerable time as a young women leaping into womanhood.
- Want to create something with reassurance and protection.
Questions to think about?
- What materials do you want to experiment with?
- Is it plastic, metal, padding with metal?
Tutorial & Feedback
I attended the session with the intention of looking at my proposal brief and receive feedback on my concept and evaluation along with any adjustments on grammar, punctuation and spelling.
My project concept was informative, however the study support tutor suggested I could elaborate further on the project evaluation and add some questions that i could perhaps ask myself whilst i'm evaluating my progress in the project concept and description section and that the project proposal is almost complete.
I was confused as to what questions I could write and the tutor assured me that they can reflect on my thinking. I thought that talking about my project more with her would help with what sort of questions i would ask myself. I started expressing how my ambition was to create something which can protect the wearer, something similar to a parachute.
However, I specifically stated my final outcome will not be a parachute but have the characteristics of a parachute for instance the floating aspects. She suggested for my research I could look at inflatable floats that children use in swimming pools and what are the objects do I think the teenagers need to protect themselves from leaping into adulthood?
"Make a list of objects or things of what you need to feel safe going through adulthood"
I do not wish to design a literal parachute and the tutor asked if I believe a jewellery piece should have a narrative and story, to which i replied that it does. The tutor then suggested I could focus on one of the questions from 'The Learning Outcomes for Unit 7' which is: how will you adapt and use appropriate practical methods and skills for creative production?
Whilst I was having conversations with my tutor, i started to make notes on the potential questions that I could ask myself:
- How do you make something narrative without being literal?
- Why are you going to look at these artists or designers?
- Can I include or what does it mean to me when i'm looking at performance art?
- How something is constructed?
- How are things going to be made?
- Who's going to wear it?
- What materials will I use?
- What is the difference between making a jewellery piece that brings a literal meaning and a piece of jewellery that brings a metaphoric meaning? (For example, is given by someone who means a lot to you)
The tutor emphasised that with these questions, I do not need to know the answers to the questions. On the one hand, by including these, it gives me the opportunity to engage with my work and research and think along the way whilst i work on the project. From my research, I should think what or how things are constructed?
After asking where these questions would be written for, do they belong in the project concept or project evaluation section, the tutor then suggested that they would be placed in project concept.
As for project evaluation, I should utilise the questions as a way of possibly asking myself rather than answering the questions. In addition, material researching is something I should mention for instance what materials i wish to use and experiment on.
What I learnt regarding this session?
In this session, I was surprised that I could write in my project evaluation in a self reflective manner by including questions in the proposal like including questions into the reflection. This informed me that, asking yourself questions as you go along the project is a effective technique to making your idea and concept stronger and shapes the designs that I can make later on which i document visually in my sketchbook.
Study Support
2/3/18
Tutorial & Feedback
I attended a study support session to look over my proposal once more after making changes from the previous session. The tutor said my writing style is like a reflection entry and that with some of what i've written for my project concept and evaluation, that I should take out the key points and remove or cut out the other unnecessary bits. Also, to write specific, but not definite
Cannot be definite
Project Review
Before this course, I considered jewellery design as high street jewellery and an accessory which is traditionally small and decorative that is worn for personal adornment or for special occasions, such as weddings. However, my opinion began to change whilst on the curriculum area as I started to appreciate jewellery as a protective shield for the human body both in a metaphoric and literal way. In my opinion, jewellery design can be a large scale sculptural piece of installation around the body and personally, I envision jewellery design as a combination of architecture and textile design on the human body with a deeper meaning rooted from a story or message.
In my previous projects, my research lacked depth and contextual information regarding political issues, religion and cultural references. Therefore, for this project, I want to gain a strong body of research which consists a broad range of relevant contexts that interest me and connect with the issues I want to address. What I personally struggle with the most is deciding on an idea afterwards; however, I feel as though this can be resolved through spending quality time collecting the body of research and to avoid overcomplicating things.
Project Concept & Description
In my previous projects, I addressed the theme of relationships by focusing on the idea of having a connection with people and how that strong bond can also be broken. I view this project, ‘Coming of Age’ as an opportunity to address the concept of having a relationship with yourself. I wish to showcase this specifically through a series of interviews with myself and other individuals and address themes such as: conflict, growth, memories and hardships, as they contribute to one’s private and personal experiences. I will document the progression from adolescence to young adult by exploring loss of: identity, innocence and heritage.
I believe that it is crucial to look at works from other disciplines of art, for example I will be visiting the Whitechapel and Barbican gallery to keep myself inspired. I will evaluate themes such as ‘identity’ and ‘growth’ in the exhibitions and any similarities I can find. I will research photography including Yves Klein and Aaron Siskind’s work which showcase a series of leaping figures. The stop motion like image makes me feel like time slowed down and demonstrates freedom, as the sky represents an open space. However, the reality of the image is gravity and how having too much freedom can lead to dangerous consequences, as the figure will eventually fall.
Therefore, my ambition is to make the wearer feel comforted when they take the leap to maturity through embracing their inner loneliness. I hope to convey in my final outcome, a sense of intimacy, independence and sensitivity. I will design a garment or accessory for a young girl/woman which will offer protection and reassurance in a time of fluctuating identity, uncertainty, insecurity and possible conflict. I want to experiment with a combination of materials to convey the qualities of safety and freedom, such as possibly mixing either metal/plastic with fabric.
WEEK 26
13/3/18 | Library research
I have the habit of continuously researching and one of my tutors in the past suggested that this should be avoided, as you keep researching and you end up going nowhere
14/03 | Part 3 progression tutorial
My Ideas
I wanted to avoid re-creating Rebecca Horn's 'Mechanical Body Fan' (one of my main inspirations apart from and in response to Yves Klein's 'Leaping Into The Void' photograph) and something literal such as a fan like shape but rather take the aspects of opening and closing into my final design/outcome. Thus, I found the venus flytrap as a motif that representing the idea of opening and closing. What's interesting about the venus flytrap is the trapping structure which acts as a mechanism: the trap prepares to close, snapping shut only if another contact occurs for consumption.
Tutor Feedback
YOUR AIM : The emphasis appears to be on adolescence, the change from youth to adulthood and the uncertainty and confusion which accompanies this transition. The leap, the movement and the emergence.
The objective is to construct a large scale, interactive, performance piece intended to translate the loss of childhood, coming of age and perhaps first love.
Action Plan and Advice
With Workflow:
- Research - Too much information that loses a focus, requires consolidation into a direct aim to what it is you want to communicate.
- Reflection - Excellent
Design Development:
- Discussion resulted in some focus but the objective of the design is still vague.
- Try to avoid birds and moths as primary design reference. No flapping of arms to suggest flight. Be careful with a wing reference. The use of feathers and insect references can conjure a up associations with angels : It is not necessarily the connections or types of change you want to suggest in the design.
- Perhaps include padding to cushion, protect and offer reassurance.
- You indicated you want to work with large scale, geometric and linear form: determine the scale, weight and construction of this.
- Test the body harness, experiment how the structure attaches to the arms and harness and resolve the mechanical folding and offer reassurance.
- Much more drawing of ideas and design is vital.
- The Venus flytrap is a curious reference, the colour, texture and danger are interesting: Perhaps these considerations should be investigated in your materials research and experimentation.
- Colour choices and texture samples need to be resolved also. For example, blue gingham print: gives off a fresh young girl clothing/feeling.
What feedback did you get from your project review?
I began my project concept thinking about nostalgia. I was thinking about doing a project based on looking back at the past events with melancholy feelings. I wanted to showcase the idea of a journey which involves the progression of being a young adolescent to a adult however, I was unsure how I could put this idea into a specific theme. After given suggestions by tutors, my theme has narrowed down to a name change, 'Coming of Age'. A concept which explores the action of leaping into adulthood, jumping into the unknown whilst embracing the fear that comes with it and trying to protect oneself whilst taking that leap.
Although, I have looked at 'Coming of Age' as a broad subject and researched different sub subjects within the topic in my research before choosing my specific theme: fluctuating identity, I feel like this specific theme has a lot more areas which I want to discover, thus this theme still requires a lot of design development in terms of construction.
What suggestions were you given about your concept and how will you improve it?
I was suggested to look mainly into textures and colours for the project. In my work I rarely used any of the two and was encouraged to incorporate print such as gingham or bright and bold colours which were seen in my sketchbook with my research responses.
Research about different types of growths that are not only existent on the body. My initial project title was 'Nostalgia', some tutors like it, however others felt that it was a term used for elderly people or adults rather than young adults and teenagers. I thought that 'Coming of Age' was a more suitable term and I think what's nice about the project title and the project in general is how relatable it can be for myself and the people around me (similar age group).
Material Research tutorial
I attended a material research session with a tutor because I aim to combine materials for my outcome. After looking at Rebecca Horn's installation pieces which are made out of fabric and metal, I decided I will potentially use those two materials for my outcome. The tutor gave me general information on how to sue the material research library as I stated it was my first time using the facilities. I addressed how I want to use stretchy fabric and also possible something waterproof or suitable for outdoors.
I think my vision was to create something that looks heavy but in reality, it is not. When the tutor suggested on using wood, I thought that I would want to avoid wood because of the weight and would defeat the purpose of the wearer feeling free because what they wear is not light. The tutor then suggested to ask a technician what type of metal is suitable and if it will be in the form off metal rods or poles. In addition, that I look into the mechanism of a umbrella and camping tents to help figure out how I can construct my design.
Images which I will look at for design development:
What I learnt from this session?
I feel as though researching for materials which could potentially be used for the final outcome at this stage was something which was quite rushed, I think this was because I was worried about the amount of time I have left for the project overall. However, the fact the tutor suggested I do design development and a final sketch including a technical drawing to showcase how large what I'm making will be, emphasised to me the importance of size and scale and how important those two factors are. This is because not only will it provide guidance for technicians, when I ask for there advice but it will also enable me to produce the outcome in a more smooth and efficient manner considering I will be independently be working during the easter holidays. This advice was also given to me during the part 3 progression tutorial from my tutor, thus I will start sketching various initial ideas and come with a conclusion of a final design from one of those initial ideas before material researching.
The Umbrella
Open and close aspect
Removing the metal component and mechanism of a umbrella
Text
multiple folding ribs
Tutorial Feedback:
Material Research Examples
- Suggestions on what material the fabric can be made of:
- Parachute silk bought from 'Ebay'/'Amazon'
- Semi-transparant fabric (similar to a chiffon)
- Nylon
- Suggestions on what material the base/structure can be made of:
(Apart from metal, consider wood or plastic)
- Balsa wood
- Own tubes from old parachute
- Channels dowing
- Clear plastic tubbing bought from 'Penton Vile Rubber'
- Perspex tubes
- Perspex rods which come in a variety of colours e.g. neon and clear.
Concerns & Design Development
- Important suggestion to simplify the final idea. Why? : Main concern is timing, and whether a garment made for the whole body is achievable.
- Only focus on arms or upper body (targeting a certain part of the body rather than tackling the whole body.)
- Sketch more initial ideas or do a design development process to have a variety of designs which will commit to a realistic final idea to be made.
- When designing, think about where at the body can you open up? : unfolding the legs from the knees
- Scale and weight : perspex is a good suggestion over metal and wood as it is the lightest
EASTER BREAK
23/03
Rough version of timetable/action plan
02/04
Rough version of timetable/action plan: making
Planning: Making the Final Outcome :
Metal bases for the dress
Patterns over the metal bases
Question: do i need metal bases for the dress?
How to make pleated skirts (how to fold it) - IMPORTANT : must research!
consists of two pieces
- garment of shirt collar top with pleated skirt as one worn through the head - ONE PIECE
- Arm/shoulder sleeves then worn through two which is then connected with buttons???
need to figure out how the elastic will be attached on the arm/shoulders
patterns for the dress
- shirt collar
- pleated skirt from chest to ankle
stitch together
note: make sure neck through is large enough and make a bit oversized
What colour???
Initially want it to be all white to symbolise the idea of purity and innocence
SUGGESTIONS:
Mixing white and red
Baby blue
03/04
- Upload material research images of the range of potential materials I'm considering
- Simplifying the design further
- Working out how the fabric will be placed over the arm bases
What I learnt?
Recently, i realise and what bothers me was how the ideas develop later on rather than the beginning when i was working on my outcome. I think this is something which is inevitable and cannot be controlled, and without this no process is shown from how you reached to that stage of working. But with the time frame given, for ideas to develop later on.
04/04
- Accurate measurements of model
- Making the metal base for the rest of the body
- Arranging and re-arranging on bodice
- Upload these photos
- Masking taped the mannequin to create accurate patterns for the top
Whilst producing the final outcome, I should work my way one by one and not be unrealistic with my intentions. Initially I wanted to create a garment which encases a pleated skirt which be made of a circle skirt cut into 6 equal pieces and hand-sewn on the rods side by side along with the aim to also cover the arm and shoulder metal bases.
However, I realised by receiving feedback from my friend that tackling two things is not so possible at this stage with the time frame given and suggested i focus on one. Tacking a lot of different components may be stressful and suggested to specifically work on the arm and shoulder bases as the pleated skirt although is a nice addition may not be something that necessary if not done and finished well. However, she also informed that the arm and shoulder bases looked fine on their own and may not need to be covered.
What I learnt?
From this, I learnt that decision making played a big role and that when it comes to making your own decisions when designing that you be wise. Specifically when you have a limit amount of time. I decided that rather than focusing on which one to design and make, i focused on creating the top as i felt there was an absence with the upper body. Then afterwards if i have time i said making the fabric which will cover the arm and shoulder bases and perhaps the high waisted pleated skirt.
05/04
- Purchasing fabric:
2m of Stretchy jersey
1m of stretchy lycra
- Finish cutting out the patterns for the top
- Neatly trace the top patterns on paper with 1cm seam allowance
- Transfer paper patterns into fabrics and pin
What I learnt?
The fabric, texture and colour was not as good as i expected and i was considering on re-doing the top again with a different and better fabric. On the one hand, I decided with the time frame given that I use what I have already created and rather than re-doing it that I finish the top professionally instead.
06/04
- Cut top from the fabric
- Pin together all the patterns
- Arrange on the mannequin
- Produce collars (double layer)
- Arrange and pin
07/04
- Measure both arm bases and create some folding origami pattern with paper
- Different designs and compositions
- Create your final design on paper
- Transfer design on fabric
- Pin patterns together along with seam allowance
08/04
- Sew the top
- Work a way of finishing the collars well
- Attach either a zip or buttons at the back
COMING OF AGE
WEEK 23
19/02 | INDEPENDENT RESEARCH FOR UNIT7:
Thoughts on interviewee 4
Interview questions:
1. What is a album/song that is nostalgic to you and why?
2. Have you experienced any moments of loss throughout your childhood or life?
3. Do you think you’ve experienced first love or love, when and with this experience what makes you believe it is love?
4. What has love taught you about yourself? (this may involve a partner, self-love, friends or family love)
5. What is your most or one of the memorable moments and what has it taught you?
Answers:
1. I couldn't say one album or song. I go through wild phases in what I listen to and thus each song has a very strong memory attached to it. To name any would be a disservice to the rest.
2. Nope.
3. No.
4. I can't say that love has taught me anything about myself.
5.I don't think there have been any moments like that. I think if I did have a memorable moment that taught me anything it would be being in a picturesque scene and being reminded how beautiful the world is.
What I learnt from this?
21/02 | Confusion
What am I actually focusing on?
My initial idea was to address the positive connotations of feeling free and capture that feeling through my work potentially in the final outcome. Capturing that feeling was something I was unsure about
One research source I came across is a photo called 'Terrors and Pleasures of Falling' by Aaron Siskind.
In my opinion, this showcases both the positive and negative aspects of falling.
I thought this was quite intriguing as it could be a possible concept I could focus on: the joy of letting go but the idea of how too much freedom can lead to a dangerous or many dangerous situations.
However, I felt as though if I were to do this potential concept that I would feel confused.
This is because I would struggle on how I could portray both the good and bad aspects of falling.
Perhaps I could be confusing the viewers and overall, i would be unable to provide a clear message what my project is about because i'm incorporating too much.
From the previous projects, I felt as though I tend to overcomplicate my concepts and have the urge to include so much different aspects all in one making it feel unnecessary and today I felt as though I went through this stage.
Rather than trying to illustrate both, I should focus on either one was what I thought.
After looking at a similar source to Siskind's photo, I came across the photo called 'Leap Into the Void' by Yves Klein.
Rather than seeing the negative and positive aspects of the image, I saw the image and thought of of how it portrayed more negative connotations.
I started to feel anxious because that imagery was the opposite of what I intended to show. Despite this, I was more interested in the research I discovered,
Potential concept?
When I look more at both the photographs of: 'Terrors and Pleasures of Falling' by Aaron Siskind and 'Leap Into the Void' by Yves Klein, I saw the image representing the idea of leaping into adulthood as a similarity.
time is running out , rushing to find time
Realisation & Solution
I realised that the order of what I was doing was wrong and what i should of done was research and find both primary and secondary research sources first, find what i want to focus on specifically and then think of the particular interview questions I would want to ask for my interviewees.
I was in a state of confusion and I felt that attending a study support session again would enable me to think more on what it was I'm doing and why.
In addition, I believe I needed to research more on what the two photographs mean apart from racking my brain out trying to find my own interpretations and what i think about it.
But most importantly, to allow myself to think much more on what it is that interested me the most and from that what i want to focus on in order to provide a more clear thinking process.
22/02 | Study Support
Feedback:
23/02 | Study support
Feedback:
24/02 | Exhibition Visit
Whitechapel Gallery: Leonor Antunes | Fine Art
Notes & Thoughts
I thought of how i want to create something that makes someone feel safe.
What intrigued me about these displays was
Whitechapel gallery shop: postcards
The postcards
Somerset House Gallery: Eloise Hawser | Fine Art
25/02 | Planning
Bibliography: references for project brief and my potential focus of the project
Lost of identity is a subject within coming of age that i want to focus my project on. I chose lost of identity because i saw the leaping figures in the sky as my most interesting research sources.
Lost of identity is a subject i wish to explore because i had thoughts on how in current society, teenagers face large amounts of pressure. They confront on a daily basis the many expectations they need to exceed.
From this, I started thinking about what topic i could concentrate on within lost of identity as the subject itself is broad.
I explored the dark side of what lost of identity could involve. For example, depression and anxiety are two things that many teenagers experience and the idea of suicide.
On the one hand, I feel as though, these topics were sensitive. If i were to go down the route of analysing depression that
I thought what would be interesting was if i explored lost of identity within first love. But because i have not experienced a first love,
WEEK 25
5/3/17 | Lesson:
- Photocopied parts of the body
- Design drawing one each body part
- Experiment with colour
- Initial forms and inspiration
Lecture notes:
- Slow design
- Students:
- Maria lisa bourlanges
- Maria bialse
- Marjke annama
Model Making
6/2/18
Lesson:
MEASURE-IT Workshop
A: Foot/Leg
Took measurements of the foot which included: joint, knee, under knee, calf, around ankle, heel girth (long & short) instep girth, joint/ball girth and foot length.
Model making
It was a shock in class to suddenly design and make models straight away, although the workshop felt forced, it made sense that we don't have that long to complete the project and I believe that moving through ideas in a fast paced approach with various body parts made me engage with the body more. The activity allowed me to making models for and around the specific body areas and from this allowed me to test what sort of placement I would potential want my final outcome to be located.
I made all the models whilst considering my research specifically my main inspiration of Yves Klein's 'Leaping into the Void' and imagined what the leaping figure would need to wear in order to protect themselves when they fall (reach adulthood) and feel the least amount of pain.
B: Head/Neck/Shoulder
Body placement: neck
I feel like the neck is one of the most fragile body parts, the piece was inspired but the idea of a choker but rather than re-creating the black stretch tattoo choker. I wanted to create a large scale piece, the sharp edges resembles to me of knives.
Body placement: shoulders
This model was intentionally on protection and the idea of spikes, for example with a hedgehog and how the skins acts as a protective layer/shield.
Modelling for my partner's work
Body placement: chest
C: Hand/Arm/Wrist/Finger
Body placement: hand Unexpected body placement: eyes
I wanted to create something that acts as a glove, i thought rather than making a circular bangle for the wrist, I chose something more geometric hence the triangle shape and that it would be interesting if the design was replicated and how the piece started off with covering the bottom of the fingers to the knuckles and then the wrist all in one piece, made of loads of the same pieces.
D: Unexpected/Experimental/Anywhere
Body placement: ear
Once the lesson ended, the tutors said some things to kind in mind. Show to the examiner that you can evaluate the work through annotations. Force yourself and think differently. Shake it up to make it unpredictable and discover something different, new direction.
08/03 | Lesson:
WEEK 27
19/03
Classmate removed the metal mechanism of a umbrella and this inspired me to replicate the same technique as a experimentation and discover the umbrella by removing the parts and unravelling the structure.
Initially, I wanted to make my own umbrella mechanism but I believe using an existent umbrella will make
'Hats' Workshop
Questions to consider:
- How are people going to respond to your idea? (Aiming for a reaction but people may perceive it differently.)
- How would the audience react if they had to interact with the piece?
20/03 | Tutor Feedback
Responding to Tutor Feedback
Model Making | PLASTIC - Experimentation: Perspex Rods
- 5m clear perspex rod
- hand sand with a finger sander and using a screwdriver, creates a hole
- Trying to re-create a similar umbrella mechanism out of plastic
Main aim was to experiment with both metal and plastic and compare which material is more suitable for my design on top of considering the opening and closing mechanism which is a important aspect in the design and is something that I’m willing to push, to enable the wearer to interact with the garment transforming it into a accessory for protection.
Problems & Issues:
I have considered my tutor’s suggestion on using perspex apart from metal and although the metal technician already mentioned it being brittle, i still experimented and tried using the material.
To conclude, the perspex rod is very high maintenance. The thickness of the plastic needs to be of a certain amount, if i sand it too thinly, drilling a hole will easily break the piece.
Once sanded with the correct thickness and drilled, the piece once wrapped around thick metal wire also breaks. Therefore, I tried a thin wire but the thickness makes holding the perspex rods very fragile and not as strong.
Model Making | METAL - Experimentation :
Umbrella Mechanism Models | Thin Steel Rods
Existing steel compartments removed from a umbrella
Model 1: Model 2:
Model 1 - Option 1:
Right shoulder | FRONT view
Right shoulder | BACK view
Model 1 - Option 2: (Upside Down)
Right shoulder | FRONT view
Right shoulder | BACK view
Model 2 - Option 1:
Left shoulder BACK VIEW
Making the Shoulder and Arm Metal Bases:
Extending the Umbrella Mechanism Model
21/03
The umbrella mechanism is a existing part I chose to use for my design, with two latches i attached the two by holding the two pieces together with thin steel wire which was inserted through the two holes already on the latches. Using the piece of wire allows the opening and closing mechanism to work, I tried spot welding the two latches together however this prevents that opening and closing mechanism to function which is a important aspect I wish to address in the design.
What I learnt?
From this, I’ve learnt that attachment is vital as it controls how the base will move and it should be carefully considered. I have to find a method of attaching the base which is not only professional and provides a nice finish but can be stable as the existing mechanism is cheap and flimsy.
What to do when making the base?
Things to keep in mind:
To elongate the latches and enlarge the size whilst still using the pieces, i need to remove the thin wire which acts as a hinge it requires cutting them in half and attaching a copper coated steel rod.
With the copper coated steel rod, I can scratch the copper off to reveal the silver colour underneath to match with the colour of the metal seen on the latches overall.
Then I would have to insert that extra piece of wire which acts as a hinge that i removed before back into the latch.
Insert a extra piece of wire from the shoulder to the body in order to make the moving mechanism completely possible, so as the body moves so does the pieces.
Concerns:
- Size and scale
- A sophisticated method of attachment
- The professional finish
- The design, uncertain on how it will look like in the end
- With inserting a thick piece of copper coated steel rod to enlarge the pieces adds weight. This is a worry because I wanted to create the illusion that my outcome looks heavy but is actually the opposite (in reality, lightweight), not sure if this will be achievable. I don’t know if the weight will make the existing latch stronger but whilst making, i hope to ask the technician or find out for myself.
- With the time frame given, can i complete making the whole base for my outcome before the 3D workshop closes?
Feedback: Tutorial & Conclusion
I was concerned that my designs, the models i made from the existing umbrella mechanism resembled bird's legs or wings which were references my tutor suggested i avoid during the progression tutorial. Thus, I decided to ask the same tutor for advice and feedback. The tutor said everything was fine and the design was not going in the direction of 'flapping' and bat wings which open and close from the shoulders and back and there was nothing to worry about.
The metal mechanism from the umbrella must be finished well at a high standard. Perhaps spraying the metal to add some colour and cover up the holes. Another method of covering the holes is to stitch through them, covering them with thread. Figure out a method of attaching the pieces together sophisticatedly.
Best solution
existing mechanism
making my own unsuccessful and complex design
with timeframe given, not possible.
up cycling the design
Final model/design : taped right arm and shoulder base component
Front view Back view
On the body: taped right arm and shoulder base component
Open Close
22/3/18
In the workshop, I continued making the other mechanism for the left arm. This involved spot welding my Umbrella mechanism broke, p
Problem and solution
The two hinges on one end of my umbrella mechanism model would break easily after I tried to spot wield together the extending stainless steel on
the I creating my own hinges, rather than making it out of a metal disc which can be folded and a extending rod
found simplified method of a rod with hoops from both ends which creates that opening and closing mechanism yet still secure and strong
recreating the umbrella mechanism models but physically cutting the hinges off to attach the new hinges
23/3/18
Completing the final model : arm and shoulder base components by attaching the arm handle
In the workshop, I replaced the stainless steel wire which I place and used to tie/attach my umbrella mechanism together with binding wire. Using the stainless steel wire gave a unprofessional finish and the binding wire was a more thin material which allowed me to be more flexible and bend the two sides together effectively.
attachement sorted: binding wire
making a bend on the end of the arm attachment, initially wanted to spot wield on both ends but using a tweezer squeezed the piece of metal together.
Completed final model : arm and shoulder base components
Left arm and shoulder
Both arms and shoulders
What will I do for the finishing touches of both components?
I will sand the pieces which where soldered together to give off a clean finish of silver.
WEEK 28
09/04
3-D Workshop:
- Re-do hoops for neck and waist with medium thickness rod
- Cut each rod for the skirt equally
10/04
3-D Workshop:
- Bend all the rods
- Tape all the places to spot weld on the hoop
- Create another larger hoop for the bottom
- Tape all the places to spot weld on the hoop
What have I learnt?
11/04
- Spot weld the metal skirt on both the top and bottom of the hoops
- Remove the black spot welded parts of the metal skirt
- Sand off the black spot welded parts
Outside the workshop:
Adjust and finish the shoulder and arm bases well:
- Replace the stainless steel wire with binding wire
- With pliers make sure the hoops are tight for all the components
- Paper model of pleated skirt
- Replicate on fabric and pin in place ready to sew
Adjust and finish the top:
- Stitch both arms for tight fit and hand stitch hole
- Re-stitch the collar to make a sharp edge at the bottom
- Hand stitch the collar to close in space
- Iron garment
What I learnt?
What i thought was bad was I realised that my fabric choice was a mistake and possibly, i could of thought more carefully about what material i should use next time. For example, the colour, texture and print.
12/04 | Photoshoot
13/04 | Evaluation of final outcome
General thoughts of the project and the negatives: mistakes and improvements
The final outcome consisted of re-using and upcycling existing umbrella folding ribs in order to achieve the opening and closing mechanism. I think if I had access to the 3-d workshop during the easter holidays along with more time, i would be able to produce the folding ribs myself by using thin metal rods. However, the look and make of turning the two umbrella folding ribs upside down and combining the two together whilst extending that model with more metal rods were my own designs.
Initially I wanted to created a pleated skirt as well along with the top but after much thought, both the garments were very basic and simple. There is nothing special or experimental with the two pieces and I realised that even if the two pieces of clothing was added on the metal arms and cage like skirt, the outcome would look excessive overall. What I mean by this is the idea that because the outcome consists of a lot of components, on the body or model it will look too much. In addition to this, the garment would cause a distraction to the most effective part of the design being the arm mechanisms.
Instead of utilising my time on creating the garments, I could of made origami folding components out of fabric which contribute to the opening and closing arm mechanisms, which i avoided creating before. I feel as though this design would be more experimental but also, a better fit as it contributes to the concept of opening up into becoming a adult and the research of the umbrella. I chose to not produce these components because it required a complex design. I thought it would be too difficult so rather than making that commitment to try i took a more simplified approach because of the lack of time. However i believe trying to always do the easiest approaches was the wrong mindset and decision with design in general. Although, I felt that I did not use my time efficiently because of this, i personally think the mistake is something i can learn from now on and in the future: to be more wise with decision making and the idea that quantity is not necessarily important.
Positive thoughts of the project: what went well?
What was good about the final outcome was the opening and closing mechanism and how that became successful. This was a important aspect of the design as it contributed to the concept.
This was through the cause of continuously testing the movement in the early stages of making not only the pieces but the models. I tried the method on rough models as test pieces before creating the final outcome which allowed me to see if they would work.
In addition, to improve my final outcome and push the concept of the umbrella, I would try to create another mechanism, some device that connects from the hoop located at the upper hip to the hoop at the neck. Once the arm mechanisms move, the rods which are attached on the hoop will also open outwards (further away from the body). This idea may be possible if there was not a hoop placed at the very bottom of all the rods to keep the shape stable. However, the ambition of lifting all six rods at the same time without the hoop connecting them together, would require a lot of physics and more thinking on how the movement in terms of the direction will operate.
Text Submission | Written summary/explanation
My intention is to express what one may wear whilst taking a leap into becoming an adult and showcase the idea of jumping into the unknown, where the future events up ahead are unpredictable and full of uncertainties. In response to this concept, I constructed a large scaled interactive piece that acts as a shield of protection. My aim is to make the wearer feel a sense of security, self-reliance and independence. The claw like arm and shoulder pieces are held by the hand producing an opening and closing mechanism which reflects on the future and the stages of adulthood.