Christmas crafts with the kids

Just before i put away all the christmas decorations, i thought i would post some of the christmas dec's i made with the kids. After my recent brief about sustainability, i thought it only fitting to include are hand-made dec's made from waste fabric. We had a lovely afternoon sewing, stuffing, gluing and sticking. We even made green rice reefs made from a mixture of glue [pva],cooked rice and green food colouring. By adding some glitter into the mix we were very pleased with our end results, although they turned out a little heavy for our tree. The fabric creations are beautiful and i will keep them for many years to come and i am very happy with y boy's sewing skills.

Tim Walker

Tim Walker is a London based photographer, art director and more recently creator of moving images. After graduating in 1994  and at the age of just 25, Tim Walker went on to photograph for some of the most established magazines in the world, most notably Vogue and Harpers Bazaar. He has photographed some of most beautiful and famous models of the last decade and has produced exciting and innovative compositions for his still life shoot's. He has collaborated with artists such as Tim Burton a man who shares the dreamy, theatrical visions that Walker instills in his work. His images portray a romantic gothic mood not to far from illustrators such as Edward Gorey. His use of oversized props and extravagant scenery have all contributed to Walkers established style.  In 2008 Tim Walker was awarded with the 'Isabella Blow award for fashion creator and he has some of his work residing in both the V and A museum and the National portrait gallery.

The observation of film/TV production 2011 [ contact with industry]

 The sound equipment.

Tony Slater-Ling the DOP.

I was recently fortunate enough to have the opportunity to experience behind the scenes of a new BBC production. The new drama shot in Liverpool gave me an insightful look at the work and job rolls undertaken within the industry. From my first day of the shoot, it was a given that work ethic was the most important ingredient necessary.

My first day was a daytime shoot. I watched the lighting being erected around the property that was used as a home in the new drama. You may wonder as I did the need for lighting during daylight hours but it was explained that the lighting was an important role in depicting certain times of day. I was amazed at how much work and thought was needed in the visual process. The lighting can create mood, ambience and even weather changes. While there I was able to observe the sound production team, line management, direction and production, as well as art –direction and the direction of photography.  I was given the opportunity to talk to the different roles within the crew and was given a job description of what their roles involved. I was unaware of how much goes into a single production.

The director of photography [Tony Slater-Ling] or D.O.P as they are called was by far the most insightful. I watched as he composed each scene through the director’s vision and would create imagery that encapsulated the script contents and the stories narrative. The camera alone was a by far the most complex piece of equipment on set and the craft of becoming a cameraman/DOP is definitely a gift to be born with.  You have to have an innate ability to visualize the scene and the learned knowledge of the equipment necessary to execute the job. The camera and its implements were extremely heavy and the assistants had to be quick to retrieve and attach lenses when needed. There was also the job of the focus puller, a job that you can only hone while being on the job its self.  This was true of many of the on-set crew roles. Dedication and passion is one the job’s criteria’s.

Each area of the visual set would have to be scrutinized for continuity and it would be the job of the art directors to make sure that the visual props and scenery were doing their jobs and that there was no visual distractions. This was the area I most interested in as I have extended knowledge of preparing windows for stores and merchandising for companies. This also ties in with my love of photography and the art of composition.

On another day of shooting I was introduced to the, not so’ glamorous’ side of film and media. The scene was to be shot through the night on a very cold and windy night, near to Liverpool docks. This was an arduous task of constant lighting, sound checks [because of the wind] and the damping down of the streets due to the continuity of the sporadic rainfalls. The crew worked continuously hard to maintain the energy levels needed in order to keep to script and budget deadlines. The days were averaging 12 hours and some day’s more, with very little breaks but it was easy to see the passion behind each crew- member and the devotion to the production.

 Night chase.

One of the scenes in production that night required a car chase. This involved the DOP, his assistant and the director being driven around by a stunt man in a high-speed car/bike chase.  The car driven by the stunt team made for an enthralling observation of the energy that these scenes create and then are captured by the team for our screens. It was white-knuckle ride all the way but it was clear to see that they would go to any lengths to achieve their imagery needed.  Even though the scenes were repeated many times and from many angle’s, the DOP and his team never tired and this was a clear indication of their commitment to their craft. The experience taught me that you have to work hard and collaborate well in order for the production to run effectively. You have to be a team player and be willing to endure not so easy environments to achieve creative and visionary results.  Dedication is definitely needed and I am extremely grateful for this given opportunity and will be excited to see the end results in the New year.

Shop windows

I have recently been given a brief at uni about the opportunity to design a shop window. I am at present collaborating with illustration students and were hoping to come up with some interesting design ideas. Im adding some photos of christmas displays that are around at the moment. I'm hoping they can help inspire some imaginative ideas. I will also be looking forward to looking at the works of Tim Walker the photographer and art director alsoTim Burton and Edward Gorey will be other areas of exploration.

Christmas craft at Stockport Gallery

 I recently visited Stockport art gallery where they were exhibiting crafts from local Artists. There was many beautiful pieces produced from these exciting designers and it made me very excited for the forth- coming christmas and has inspired me to make some crafts of my own. The pictures above are of just two designers, Faye Power whose ceramic work was on show and Craig Fellows textiles. I will post more info about these designers soon. Other exhibiters were Angharad McClaren's woven textiles, Suzybees textiles and Yu-Ping Lin textile jewellery and all worth further investigation.

Spode Ceramics

Spode in Stoke-on-Trent is a pottery and fine bone china company that first established by Josiah Spode in 1790. The company has produced many designs over the years from the blue Italian range and woodland designs to developing a successful formula for fine bone china. Along with the history and designs of Spode it has produced many a skilled craftsman and has trained some of the most renowned pottery designers. Their wide span of technique and historical designs still influence current designers and are often used for research purposes.

The factory production side of the company shut down 3 years ago after it went into administration. It was rescued by the Portmeirion group and the buildings are now used as a gallery space, where the history of Spode along with new contemporary designs and designers can be exhibited. There is still a master engraver on hand to demonstrate this dying craft and skilled tradition. This gives you an insightful look at the time and accuracies of these designs that were produced by skilled crafters for the more traditional prints of Spode.

Designers and artists that are exhibiting at present are Emma Bridgewater, Elizabeth Addyman, Edward Baldwin, Ryan Connolly, Yuki Ouchi and Trish Spence to name but a few. This fresh influx of new contemporary and collaborative design work has helped form a renewed and exciting interest into ceramics as a visual art. Ceramics have always been a dual -purpose design where aesthetics and function meet. With Spode’s new inspirational setting and workshops; shape, form and surface design hold no boundaries. For Spode Galleries, a new life has been ignited and hopefully with the support of the resident and visiting artist’s and general public visits, it will have a safer future. 

Owl and cat designs.

I recently went to a craft show at Tatton park in Cheshire. It was there that i discovered the beautiful designs, illustrations and crafts of design company, Owl and Cat. The company was established by Nottingham surface designer and illustrator Ester Hall. Her designs are inspired by children's toy's, 1950's posters and book illustrations. Ester Hall has illustrated children's books and her lino print's can seen on cards, stationary and personalised prints, sewing kits and novelty bag's are available too. I found her designs contemporary, simple and a pleasure to look at.  The characters and designs are original and the use of a white void in the background, keep the  focus on the illustration with out the fussiness or distraction that many recent illustrations have.They could  easily be attractive to all generations and be the perfect personalised gift

Sustainability from past to present.

The story of two Guernsey Evacuees

During World War two, the Channel Islands of England and France became under the increased threat of invasion by the penetrating German Army. The occupant’s on the Island of Guernsey was one such island that was evacuated to safety.

Hazel and Mavis two young Guernsey children were both evacuated to the North west of England. Mavis was evacuated with her fellow peers and teachers from school and then followed shortly after by Hazel and their mother.  They were very small children during this upheaval, yet they can still remember very clearly their life and thoughts during this desperate time. They have very kindly have given us a verbal account of this period in their life, which in turn have contributed to our findings on the subject of sustainability.

During this notoriously difficult period in history, it is clear to establish that recycling and thrifty-ness was as much a part of the survival of the people as were there combat skills. Woman became more innovative with their craft and living skills as rationing was introduced. In order to survive it is well documented that people pulled together and that nothing was to be wasted. For example Grease from cooking was to be collected in to jars until full and then handed in to the local butcher. This was then used as part of the vital ingredients of bullet making. Wedding dresses were scarce and made of cotton, as silk was difficult to come by. Old silk wedding dresses were recycled into underwear; men’s suits were re-tailored into new clothing for women and children, as was men’s shirts. It was often the case that only one good dress, one-day dress and a nightdress would be the wardrobe contents of the average female and child during the war. Old knitted items would be unraveled and made into new garments. This included socks for soldiers, balaclavas, underwear, jumpers and scarves.

It is clear to establish that in hard times we can make do and mend. Not only did this generation fight for our safety, they also instilled the knowledge that with very little we can be creative and sustainable. When looking at our lives of the present day, we can see that over time we have become reliant and complacent with disposable clothing, technology and gadgetry. It is only under the increasing pressure of environmental and ethical trading has this ‘make do and mend ‘, become was again a valuable knowledge to have.

Through the stories and memories relayed to us by people such as Mavis and Hazel, we can only imagine the hardship experienced. This was a period where people were separated from their loved ones and they owned such little in a way of belongings. A celebration would be catered for with orange juice and biscuits and a stable diet would be bread and butter, jam when lucky and blind stew [stew with no meat just root veg]. As a generation that is accustomed to disposable clothing and textiles, fast food and continence; it is only now in this uncertain time of a economic change, that we start to rediscover these skills of ‘make do and mend’, It is important to not let these survival skills of life be forgotten if we want to protect not only our planet but also the means for independence and simpler life that so many people fought and died for.

Staircase house Stockport

As part of our design project on sustainability, we have been researching the 1940's. Staircase house in stockport is a fantastic resource if you want to get a realistic insight into a 1940's home. This museum has a careful, sympathetic collection of original artefacts and craft related items from a bygone time.  Through the colour palettes, textures and recycling of materials you have the opportunity to visualise this memorable time in our history. It allows the viewer to establish that in times of crisis we have the ability to survive on next to nothing.

Stockport Air-raid shelter

Our new brief is all about sustainability. With this in mind, we have started to look at the current economy and the impact this is having on our need to Make do and mend in our own present economical climate. We are exploring the need to recycle, upcycle and the art of  lux-crafting. Our first form of research was to look back at the pro's of WWII. A visit to the air raid shelters in stockport helped us to get a feel for this particular period and the life styles, fashion, colour -palette, textures, materials and rationing that were all so important to the time frame. These are some of the pictures taken from an era frozen in time.

KAHORI MAKI

Kahori Maki is a Japanese born illustrator, designer and artist. Her love of nature is beautifully captured in her imagery. There is a Gothic edge to her work that makes it sharp, dark and visually interesting.It has been said that her work" hovers between dream and reality", but i do not think it can actually be defined. With work produced for French clothing designer's Comme des Garcons as well as interior and advertising imagery; its clear to see that her surface designs are applicable in all print areas and are truly inspirational to all designers wanting to push new boundaries.

Applied design.

Applied design - the first brief of our 2nd year! This was my first introduction into digitally printed designs. I have for many years admired this relatively new concept but was completely overwhelmed by the process. The computer has never been my best friend and i found the whole design experience not to dissimilar to learning how to drive a car. After expert tuition i managed to execute six designs for a interior theme and a fashion theme. Although my designs are basic and transitional, i have discovered skills and a new visual concept that have been Alien to me for so long but i would now be able to confidently incorporate into my future design processes.

Rachel Kelly

Rachel Kelly's interactive wallpaper and surface designs is a relatively new design concept that seems to becoming more popular within interiors. Rachel is an award- winning designer based in the Lake district. Her designs in which the individual can create their own bespoke designs using her hand printed wallpapers, fabrics and surface designs have become increasingly popular the world over and companies such as Top shop, the BBC, NHS have all commissioned her to produce work for them.

The company also produces ' off the shelf designs'. Contact details are: http://interactivewallpaper.co.uk
I particularly like her decal's that she produces for walls and window's, the simple and vibrant designs that is maintained in her work show a clever understanding of form, texture, colour and scale.  

Floral Fashion collections 2011/12

Chanel's designs for the up- coming season provides an abundance of floral bloom's incorporated into their gothic creations. They have produced a dark, sensual collection that have implied a mix of era's using only the colour, scale and composition of the bloom's. This is a classic collection that is full of energy with a touch of darkness.

Clothkits

Clothkits designs hold a nostalgic sentiment for me. There patterns remind me of my youth and my fascination with construction, colour and pattern. When i am stuck for inspiration, i take a look through the clothkits archives and remember how their designs made me feel and the visual effect they had on me.