The Start of Something

These past few weeks I’ve been toying with an idea; Could I actually get into a career of visual merchandising/window displays or interior styling for magazines? The answer I often tend to retire to is no. But the more I’ve thought about it, the more I believe that if I push myself and really take it seriously, then there may be some possibility. I’ve been bringing the topic up more and more in conversations, mentioning it to my lecturers when I present in tutorials, and not one of them has condemned me just yet. Yes, I sound shocked, but that’s because my course is all about the making. In lectures we are brainwashed week after week into the ‘when you become makers’ or ‘when you start your own practice’ but as I sit and pay attention, I think maybe I could bend the rules. It was in today’s lecture, that I realised that in actual fact other people have already bent the rules to give me a bit of a head start. A graduate from our course is currently working for Harvey Nichols designing the window displays!

Our next project is based on a theme called ‘Inside/Outside’. Basically, we have to start considering the context of our work (where our work will fit in with its surroundings) and who our market is, catering specifically for these two factors. This project couldn’t of came at a better time, because an option on the list of locations is ‘The Inner City’ under which the category ‘retails environments’ is mentioned. Now is my time to create a piece/collection that could test my ability in visual merchandising or at least begin to make me question what skills it is that I’ll need to equip myself with. We’ve also had to choose a ‘specialist workshop’ to run alongside our 5 week project, which is limited to only 20 spaces per workshop which was a mentally and physically challenging task. Deciding between four options, was hard enough, but managing to get to the sign-up sheets was an even bigger battle!

Over the next few weeks/months, I plan to update my CV and I have exciting ideas on how to show my ‘creative background’ through what normally would be a boring description of my life. (My CV is currently a white page with black writing, how un-original!) I’ve got plans to apply to numerous companies, ranging from magazines to high street stores to see if there is any chance of them wanting my questions, company and creativity for a weeks work experience. The worst they can say is no, and at least I can say I tried. Up until a week ago or so, I had no idea what the job name even was for this kind of work, so at least I’m making some progress! Also, a trip to London is needed in the run up to Christmas, to wander around taking photos and inspiration from all the extravagant window displays, which I can imagine to be far more appealing than sitting browsing through the existing photos on blogs and design websites. Saying that, I’ve been inspired this evening by a few images I’ve seen whilst doing exactly that:

Lampshades by Rune Guneriussen

I know the image above is more concept/installation based work, but I could  just see this in a window display or in a shop interior! And well, these lampshades are all on trend right now…

Charlbury 5 Light by Next

Charlbury Shades by Next

 

I came across a useful website and a few books this evening also:

Visual Merchandising and Store Design website - my favourite section being under the heading ‘Design Galleries’, and clicking on ‘Window Displays’
Affordable Exhibition Design (Available through Amazon)
Detail In Contemporary Retail Design (Available through Amazon)
Green Retail Design (Available through Amazon)

That’s all from me for this evening, I’ve got some knitting samples I’m working on for my ‘leisure time’ (to stop me working, but they’re kind of towards my uni course anyway) and a wonderful new magazine to read called The Simple Things.

Au revoir!

 

 

 

Apologies WordPress, it’s been a while – but I’m back!

Okay, so it’s my fault but I’m back which is good, right?

It feels like I’ve had an awfully busy summer but then I think about how many days I’ve had at home and now I can’t justify why I haven’t updated this. I’ve been busy working on my Summer project as inspiration for when I start back on Monday but didn’t want to upload anything too soon in case somebody happened to steal my ideas and bring the same work to our first tutorial! (That would be my nightmare, and in no way am I saying that my work is worth stealing!)

In between the productive days of sketchbook work and contextual research, I think I had days where I just did the generic crafting that I’d missed. The sort where you can stick things down and make things look super pretty just for aesthetic purposes. And then other days, I did nothing but drink tea and read books, but that’s what you’re supposed to do when it rains non-stop I guess.

So, back to the productivity (I’m not too fond of admitting that some days I do nothing, it hurts my pride).
Juxtaposition. That was the word of the summer. You had to draw inspiration from something you’d done over the summer and find a way of showing the juxtaposition, so really you had two starting points to get you going. After wracking my brains I decided that there was something interestingly simple about the camping trip to York that I went on in July. I’d not been camping for a long time, and it was a nice way to appreciate things. The project also came through whilst I was there, so that kind of swung it, ha!

I got thinking about how excited I got by cooking on a little camping stove and how all the pots and pans fitted together or folded down, everything was so novelty and plastic. It felt like when I was a kid again playing with plastic pots in the garden, pretending to cook dinner in my Wendy house. Then came the words ‘nostalgia’ and ‘novelty’. The drawings started, as I tried to put down my ideas and this resulted in me hand sewing wellies onto brown paper, and drawing cups, camping chairs, a little blue kettle and numerous other items. These were all with the intentions of hopefully screen-printing or lino printing them as a repeat to use alongside ceramic objects. This is where the juxtaposition of materials comes in – I’ve decided to, if I can in the time period we have, to combine ceramics with printed textiles or stitch.

Also looking at the luxury objects we have when we’re at home, I created another series of drawings. These are the things you miss when you’re away camping, the ease of turning on a light or the comfort of a cosy chair in front of the fire and a nice cup of tea in a china cup and saucer. But to me, I found I didn’t really miss those at all, what I missed more was on my return home, that I missed the simplicity and basic lifestyle. This is what I think I’m trying to get across eventually by the end of the project.

To say I wasn’t particularly fond of photoshop and technology, I’m beginning to find it does have its advantages and I’m forcing myself to get used to using it more (if I don’t make myself, my tutor will when I return to uni). I much prefer doing things by hand…

The sewn wellies above are samples of what I intend to stitch into ceramics if I choose those materials. Otherwise, it will be printed fabric with the camping equipment repeat. I then thought of wallpaper in your hallway, being stitched into to add another dimension to the average printed wallpaper. It’d be called ‘Leave Your Wellies At The Door’ and have a playful element to it again. I lived in wellies when I was camping and its so different returning home and swapping them for slippers! ( I tried to upload a photo of this idea but it’s taking forever so I’ve given up, apologies) Instead, here’s some inspiration!

   

 

I might create a separate post for my generic crafting maybe, depends how I feel.
And that is a few bits from my latest project.
Goodnight!

Results are here!

As I dashed to collect the post today, I half expected my results and Summer project to arrive…and hiding underneath was an envelope with ‘Nottingham Trent University’ printed on the front. Yes – they were here! I already knew my grades (or so I thought I did) from my personal feedback with each tutor. I had quite a pleasant surprise though as I began reading through my grades, as I have somehow gained an A grade in both my presentation and my essay for the contextual studied module.

This was the grade for my ‘Wonder Bowl by Tupperware’ essay where I was analysing how this piece of design engaged with contemporary concerns. The presentation was group work where you had to discuss the similarities and differences between metal & architecture in the 1930s. My reason for being so surprised is that personally I feel that writing is not my strong point (part of the reason for this blog is to begin to develop my writing skills and evaluation of work). My own views on this grade is that the support from this specific lecturer was outstanding, she didn’t smother you but precisely informed you of everything you needed to know. Also having the opportunity to choose the subject for your essay may have contributed to the quality. I think there are varied contributing factors to outcomes of work and final grades, and enjoyment is certainly a large part of this.

It was satisfying to see that I consistently stuck with a grade B throughout my ‘Form, Structure & Surface Decoration’  (this was basically all the projects where you explored new materials e.g. print,embroidery,wood,glass,ceramics) project, and that no area was stronger or weaker. From this, I’ve got quite a neutral ground for picking what areas I begin to work in more next year. In some ways, I suppose I should be disappointed that I didn’t improve as the year went on – but in all fairness, each of these materials were new to me, so I was coming to them all with very little or no knowledge at all; and I can safely say I have learnt as much as I possibly could in the short space of 8 days for each of the materials. Next year I must expand on these and really start exploring them in more depth now I have the grounding.

The main part of all the modules that I was lacking in was my I.T skills. They haven’t said as much..but its the only 2 boxes where I got a grade C. And quite rightly so! I put no effort into the I.T work as I wasn’t really sure what was expected of me, I don’t enjoy digital processes as much as I do hands on, but I guess this is something I will have to come to terms with as next year I’ll no doubt need to brush up my I.T skills and pretty swiftly!

Overall, I’m pretty pleased. This was my first year at university, and I remember this time last year wondering if I was capable at all of completing a project, let alone a whole year. The grades are wiped clean for next year, but I can continue knowing that I earned my place in 2nd year and safely passed the first! 

Hidden at the back of the feedback sheets was the Summer project which will no doubt keep me busy until we go back in October. I always worry with projects that are sent through the post, as each person will interpret it differently and you could turn up with a sketchbook of the completely wrong work – but I must tell myself there is no such thing as ‘wrong’…If I stop worrying, I might actually enjoy this time to explore and play with ideas, without the pressure of academic deadlines!

I ought to get to work on brainstorming ideas, so that’s all folks!

 

Rainy days

Thanks to the British weather I’ve finally invested in a sewing machine! 
Here are a few makes whilst playing around and getting used to it, and the needle case is just practising a few hand embroidery stitches.
Rainy days are no longer dreaded!

 Oh, and I’m also in the process of putting my glass jewellery on Folksy!
Head on over there and have a gander if you’re finding yourself with a little bit of spare time..
http://folksy.com/shops/handycrafts 

Demolition vs. Transformation – The High Line in NYC

Walking the High Line

Right, this might be going a little off track from the ‘crafty’ side of things, but I suppose I’m beginning to become more aware of what’s around me and the way that so many things can influence design or be part of an idea or concept.

Just this afternoon, I was told about the High Line in New York City (Founded in 1999). My boyfriend’s sister is currently over there working for the Summer, and had mentioned this wonderfully unique place in a quick ‘e-mail update’ to her family. As we sat flicking through the photos, I thought what a distinctive and stunning idea this really was. Far too many derelict buildings/areas, especially in the UK, tend to end up being demolished whether they have history or culture behind them or not (it was only this evening that I  passed a pub that had completely been demolished, which has been there for as long as I can remember) – and then another housing estate is built, without any consideration for the past, or the future. Who would of thought to transform a train line which was on the verge of being demolished, into a green pathway connecting three of New York’s boroughs.

With the pathway being lined with wild grasses and plants, the residents and tourists of the city are able to gain a striking view, and take in some of the greenery, which is a huge contrast among the towering concrete monsters of the city. Its a chance for people to meet, take a stroll, whether it be in the early morning, the heat of the mid day, or just as the sun begins to go down. Even in the snow, you can take a walk along the High Line and

My first thoughts were that if we were to have something similar to this in the UK, it would be vandalised before it had been even open a week. I wondered if it was just something about New Yorkersthat have respect for the things they are given – after all, I know I would be. But no, there are a few very strict rules as to how you can use the High Line, and even opening/closing times for the transformed railway line. They take great pride in maintaining the High Line and I would imagine these rules allow this to happen.

The distinctive and extremely clever use of the railway line really comes down to the fact that yes, a train line is different to an average pathway. It travels from one destination to another. It runs through the city. I know a pavement does too, but on ground level, and usually having numerous crossings and roads that disrupt that continuity. What an idea to think that you can walk, without having to stop for a stream of yellow cabs, or to wait for the ‘walk’ sign. I would imagine there is something very tranquil and relaxing about this place, the use of the wood, the wild plants, the atmospheric lighting as the nights close in..

Not only is this used for taking a walk, but parties, events, and tours happen throughout the year – all with no fee at all. There’s very much a creative energy that comes attached to the High Line, with artists installations, performances and photography all taking place in the park. Can it get much better? Yes. Recently a ‘summer street party’ was hosted by Coach, which became a fundraising event for the maintenance of the park. A party – and fundraising! This really is such a well considered concept, and I think that more projects should occur like this, to alter the initial thought of demolishing and instead going back a few decades to the ‘make do and mend’. This responds to that theory partially, but I’d say more ‘make the best of it and mend’ and most definitely exploit it. Push the boundaries – don’t go for the easy option of taking a bulldozer to a fascinating piece of design. Give it new life!

It shows that it can be done, and I know the next time I visit New York City I’ll make sure that ‘visit the High Line’ is at the top of my agenda.

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All photos available here – taken by Iwan Baan (2009)

Fact: even though the transformation occurred in 1999, work was still being done in June 2011 to improve the High Line and continue to maintain it as a public open space.

“Remembering that I’l…

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure — these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”
— Steve Jobs

After today’s business Summer school (the first day of 5), I’ve learnt that you shouldn’t say no to opportunities, and this doesn’t just apply to this, but to life.
Previously I’ve found it too easy to say no to things that have arose, but I think along the lines of this quote and it makes me realise – we don’t have forever. If I don’t do this now, will I get the chance again? No, probably not.

Inspiring words from Steve Jobs. 

Is it possible to have a mid-life crisis at the age of 18?

I’ve been having a bit of week worrying about my future and all the other things to worry about that come as part of the package of a ‘creative’ career. You know yourself if you fall into this category, that you worry about not being inspired by things, or worry that whatever you’re doing has no significance amongst the other thousands of people that are trying to make it big. Thanks to my wonderful boyfriend however, he sat up and talked a lot of sense into me until midnight, as he see’s it from a non-creative point of view. I said to him how it’d be nice one day to take a step out of my own body, and see my life from an onlookers perspective.

I suppose all of this has come about by finishing my first year, used to being busy 7 days a week, and not knowing which list to start with. Now, I’m struggling to find things to fill up a day, that doesn’t consist of reading a book, flicking through a magazine, or watching a documentary.

Yes, I should be making the most of this time – after all not many people get near on 3 months off from life to do as they please, and I know I won’t for many more years. But my mind is a very active one, and I need it to be fulfilled. I said that I was going to make things to sell at the Christmas craft fair seeing as I won’t have the time to do it once I’m back at university in October, but that’s the trouble, I’m lacking inspiration big time. I feel so uncreative right now, whether its because I’ve been forcing ideas for the past 8/9 months, I’m taking my time out now, or just generally nothing has excited me enough to respond to it.

I may sound like I’m contradicting myself, as in previous posts I talked about how inspired I’d been by exhibitions I’ve seen, but its knowing how to use that. How do I focus that into my own work? The plan is to stop worrying (if I can) and try and enjoy being free and wait for ideas to come to me. If I wake up in the early hours of the morning and have an exciting idea, I can’t let it slip by me.

So today, I’m going to be happy. And not worry about the rest of my life. I’m going to read all day and paint colours, and walk my dog and just do exactly as I please.

For any of my followers that don’t know me in person, that’s me (below). Being happy of course!

An afternoon in New York..

Or should I say in my bedroom. However, a small amount of the afternoon has been spent on a couple of New York-inspired drawings. I’ve been meaning to get my new sketchbook out for a while, and decided today was the day. I was all motivated for it – last night and friend and I visited the Henri Matisse ‘Drawing with Scissors’ exhibition at my old school (now that they’ve gone all fancy and got a public gallery!) Whenever I visit and exhibition or see someone else’s work, I instantly feel like producing something of my own; but never actually get to the part where I grab my sketchbook and get down to it.

For a starting point, I was inspired by this page from a magazine I purchased yesterday..

I’ve always loved the contrast between the white and the blue in Willow Pattern ceramics, and I thought that I tend to use black or pencil or stay true to life with colours when I’m drawing/painting. So, today the aim was to paint purely using blue. Then it was a matter of content..what was I going to draw now?! So, out came the photos from New York, thinking how Willow Pattern is usually floral or organic shapes, or countryside, so to contrast against this, I went for the big city. 

I really got into the architectural style with the straight (ish) lines, and decided to continue this throughout the drawings, using it to also define areas of the picture. I will admit, that there could of been a lot more effort put into these but, it has got me drawing for the afternoon, and the new sketchbook is no longer empty! Hoorah!

What I’ve gained today:

• Overcome the fear of a blank page/sketchbook
• Worked in a new style to what I’m used to
• Not ripped any pages out of my book or started over
• An afternoon of day dreaming, remembering my wonderful trip to New York that wasn’t even a year ago! 

(I’ll do another post maybe this evening with the photos from last nights exhibition!)