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.