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.