1.1.3 Translating a Photo (Knit)

One avenue that was essential to explore was turning photos into knitting. Discussing this activity with a number of friends helped to identify key features for completing this transition; features such as colour, pattern and texture needed to be taken into account to make a successful sample. Thus in my samples I have concentrated on these aspects.

  My finest examples of knitting photos

 

My first sample that shows this translation is my yellow and grey knitting, base on double yellow lines, I have emphasized the use of small stones from the tarmac and the cracked yellow paint through the knitting techniques lase holes and ladders as they resemble the same kind of texture. The second sample used the same kind of intricate detail but this time in the form of e-wrap, I have used this texture building technique to create a brick style pattern resembling in the centre bottom image.

After making these samples I have discovered how easy it is to convert an image into a textiles sample, even with a technique such as knitting where you do not have as much control over your work as you would with other textile worlds such as embroidery. Due to this I am excited to venture into unconventional with my future work and samples.

1.1.2 Colour Development

During knitting I have found colour and texture to be a keen focus. I have thus made my next task to develop a colour pallet. From the photographs I have collected, which have become the foundation of my investigation, I have experimented with different colour ways. My group tutorial from the previous week helped me to find a focus to my work and therefore I have selected comparable images to aid my activity.

Monochrome Pallet 

This mono chrome pallet is the first colour way I produced, I chose these colours due to all the new architecture I found. Modern architecture suits my theme due to the heavy use of geometrics and bold colours. Although I found it to be impelling, I prefer to work in colours of a brighter nature. Thus I continued my investigation with colour.

Red Brick Pallet

My next trial was the 'Red Brick' pallet, this colour way was more exciting than the previous pallet. However I was still not happy with it as I felt the colours I chose were too natural and as my brief was 'Pattern in Architecture' I wanted my colours to reflect the artificial subject that I was researching. Also in this colour pallet I found the focus to be primarily on texture rather than pattern hence I continued my inquiry.

My Final Colour Pallet 

This is my final colour pallet and is by far my most successful. In this pallet I have combine both natural colours that are found in most architecture, such as stone cream and grey concrete and well as the artificial colours that are often found in cities being high vis yellow and signpost blue. After evaluating the images I have collected in relation to my theme I found that I need a rage of colours that would relate to both modern and tradition architectural patterns, I thus concluded with these colours that harvest both bold and subtle colours.

1.1.1 Identifying a Theme

Identifying a focus in my project has been a priority after entering my first textile world, knitting. I developed and analysed my drawings and photos to assist in this process. Feedback from my group tutorial has also helped me to identify the strongest 'chance card' studies from my sketchbook, and to highlight a theme in my work that is 'Pattern in Architecture'.

Images for my 'Map the City' task that embody pattern

'Pattern in Architecture' became a natural direction for my work as I am attracted to repeating forms and geometric structures. Throughout my project, I hope to develop this theme through drawings, photo editing and of course, through my Textile Worlds, that will be knitting, weaving, and print. Photography will also play a large part in my process, as I will continue to use it as a means to gather references and expand my subject matter.

Highlighted techniques from my sketchbook

These drawing were highlight in my tutorial due to their ability to combine both colour and pattern effectively. I love how all the studies use line in an original way to create new patterns from excising ones. My next steps will be to develop a colour pallet and subsequently integrate these techniques to my contextual references.



1.1.0 Chance Cards

My favourite creation so far, responding to the frame work of 'making a cut paper drawing' influenced by a fire escape staircase

Texture, pattern, and form are essential for me while I embark upon my first university project; a brief ‘Presence of Mind’ intertwined with 16 mysterious chance cards. Fellow MMU TIP students and I are invited to 'challenge the familiar' while looking for interspersion though the streets Mancheste.

'Using Indian ink and different sized brushes' I have focused on a specific pattern from the Piccadilly Station structure 

My first stage of the design process has been to take appropriate photos. I enjoy discovering the small details that are often over looked, either due to their location being right under your feet or up in the sky. Key elements I have identified during my research are line, shape and texture; elements that I have used either as subtle hints or overemphasis in my drawings

Completed in the studio, this drawing effectively uses contrasting colours and a interesting nonsensical 'made composition'

Translating the photos into drawing is the most exciting part for me. Most of the pictures, due to their unique features, have already been earmarked for a certain 'chance card'. I have been carefully selecting media, and after group tutorials, began to experiment with different techniques. Some proving to be especially effective such as the ‘cut work’ drawing (first image), I have expanded the given guidelines by employing multiple layers and frivolous colours. My contextual references are helping me to develop my work via the elements previously mentioned.

Using 'five pencils' to create a representational drawing of towering office blocks

Time management has also been significant in this opening project, especially when selecting ‘Chance Card’ to respond to, as some require time limits it is essential to choose the correct subject and media to complete the task. During independent study I work with no distractions it is a perfect time to produce lots of work. Studio time has been critical as a chance to discuss with other students, considering others concepts and methods is a great chance to further open my mind in accordance with the given brief.

inspiration for the '20 lines' drawing

Another one of my prized drawing using '20 lines' to produce this simple yet impacting study

Throughout my 'chance card' drawings I have considered the brief Presence of Mind, using lateral thinking to influence my composition, media and technique in create inventive responses. Emphasizing the subject though scale has proven to be a key features of my work to date, an effective example of this is the 'drawing on a found object' (below). When choosing media, I have taken into account both the ‘Chance Cards’ and the contextual references. For instance, my ‘2o lines’ drawing that could have been a very simple study has been enhanced by an ink covered etched layer of think emulsion, which mirrors that of the drain cover.

'Drawing on a found object' using fabric as a complementary pattern for the Georgian-style window 

As I continue my responses to the 'Chance Cards' and ‘Presence of Mind’, I will continue to use the elements that I have highlighted in this post to create imaginative and original responses to my contextual references.