Explore and Explain

Authors own image captured at British Museum

The aim of this project was to create a publication based on a room or an object within the British Museum. Before visiting the museum I was unsure on the subject I would focus on, I decided not to look at a map and just get lost within the rooms. As I travelled through the rooms I came across one involving large patterns which immediately excited me. It was tired 'Shifting Pattern Pacific Bark Cloth Clothing.' I was drawn into the organic appearance of the prints and wanted to discover more abut this fascinating room.
I discovered bark cloth was made from the inner bark off of trees which is chemically transformed into sheets for use the use of clothing. This process is a distinctive art tradition which unites the region. However, the patterns on the clothing reflect diverse histories of individual island groups. I feel the room became more and more exciting as I discovered new information and admired the exotic clothing, objects and patterns. On the other hand I noticed several children within the room who were struggling to engage with the work; I then realised it was due to the information not targeting their age group - it was positioned high and used a lot of complicated words. This sparked the idea of creating a publication aimed at children which would engage and involve them into learning about the subject within the room.
I began by researching how to engage children and discovered bright colours and textures were a key aspect in their learning; from this I experimented with a range of materials which my publication could be printed on. The inspiration for my hanging publication came from the way in which the bark cloth was presented and I felt it would visually work well within the room and compliment the work. 
After many colour, typography and composition experiments I was satisfied with the outcomes and techniques I wanted to use for my final design - However, unfortunately I was unable to use the heat press which directly prints onto the material, this is when I decided I would use heat transfer which I had previously explored. This was difficult as it gave a shiny outcome and in some cases did not transfer successfully. But after several attempts I was pleased with my outcome and fell it is successful. 

Authors own image

Overall I feel my outcome is successful as it is appropriate for my target audience, I also enjoy the typography as it stands out and highlights key information, whilst being easy to read and understand; it also compliments the images. I feel the use of colour works well as it is eye catching but also harmonises with the surrounding tones within the room it would b used in. The use of illustration will encourage the children to create their own patterns and colours and the texture will engage them as they will be able to touch the publication. 

I would improve the quality of material to ensure the publication would with stand my target audience continuously touching it. I really enjoyed this project and feel satisfied with my outcome and the development made to create it.

Adventures of the Black Square

I visited the exhibition 'Adventures of the Black Square' at the White Chapel gallery where I discovered a variety of interesting designs and designers.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was drawn into this design titled 'Purple Air' by Liu Wei because of the large scale and bright, bold colours involved. I really enjoy the chaotic but controlled abstract visual and discovered the work represented 'The ongoing urbanisation process and the structural changes which take place in contemporary urban areas.' I struggled to understand how this was represented through this visual but as I looked more and more at the design I began to notice horizontal lines interrupting the organised portrait composition, and also thought the many colours and tones could be the representation of a continuous change as it is hard to focus on one colour within the work.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

When viewing this work from a distance it appeared to be a print, however as I got closer I discovered it was created from cotton and coloured dyes. I really enjoy the experimental composition and colours within this work and it has shown me shapes and colours can create simple, interesting visuals.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was intrigued into this design as I felt it was a typography design of the alphabet. However, I discovered the designer Bela Kolarova had developed a practise involving everyday objects, she then assembles it into works that question reality. I really enjoy the use of snap fasteners to create a an interesting and organised visual; this work has represented how a successful design can be created from anything if a good idea and technique is present.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I am really fascinated with this design 'Simultaneous Construction of Two' by Max Bill because of the movement created from simple forms. The design reminds me of a scientific diagram instead of an art piece; I have learnt movement can be created with basic forms not just detailed, chaotic visuals.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

When reading about this work titled 'Hanging' I discovered it's designer Anni Albers joined the Bauhaus in Weimar in 1922  but because she was a woman was not allowed to study architecture and was relegated into weaving school. I find this inspiring and interesting on how times have moved on and how Albers found her own style and technique within something she was never interested in. This has inspired me to work hard within graphics as I was able to choose a subject I wanted and enjoy.

Authors own image captured at White Chapel Gallery

I was interesting in this work titled 'Lead light' as it appeared to use thread which was my chosen material for my previous Mapping project. I discovered Adrian Esparza had created this work from a traditional Mexican blanket known as a serape which was often used as a poncho. He deconstructed it into individual threads before reconfiguring it onto a wall. I really enjoy this technique as it represents how a transformation of an object can create an interesting outcome and visual. This work has made me aware of my surroundings and the objects within it.

Overall I found this exhibition really interesting and discovered how simple colours and forms can be used to create unique designs and visuals.
 

Exploring Typography

Authors own image

Authors own image

Authors own image

The aim for this brief consisted of creating a new alphabet from a subject of my choice. I began by exploring movement within hand created letter forms, I feel this outcome was successful but the use of the colour red created connotations of blood and could be recognised as the horror genre. This represented how colour is important within design because it can form meanings which were unintentional; to explore this idea further I experimented with the same letters but changed the colour to understand how this would effect the outcome. I feel there is a strong relation between colour and meanings as my blue outcome reminded me of water and completely changed the appearance of my ether forms. 
Moving on from the subject of movement and colour I was interesting in the space between the letter forms and wanted to explore this idea. I chose to use the colours black and white as they conflict and would help the forms stand out, I also feel an interesting visual is created when positioned next to each other. Overall I feel my outcome is successful because although the alphabet has been deconstructed and only the space has been used, the forms are still recognisable as letters; the use of the bold forms create a strong visual and a unique alphabet.

Authors own image

Authors own image