WEEK 18

Tuesday 27th January

Small Change - project ideas development

-my initial response to the "Small Chnage" project briefs (back in Decembre) that I want to use sustainable materials, mostly upcyling things such as candles, matches boxes, plastic bags etc. to create fashion accessories. This was because it seemed to me like a simple (something which did not require engineering or a lot of making skills) product which can easily be sold on the Green Fair. Therefore throughout the Christmas break I have been researching, testing out and designing ideas based on the upcycling concept

-however when I spoke to my tutor after the Christmas holidays I agreed with her (Karla) that this was very simple and not up to my standards, I should challenge myself more because anyone can simply upcyle, whereas in this project I still need to show my unique design and making skills

-I went to search for other pathways in sustainability and came across "unsustainability caused by humans", which lead me on to carrying out research for this: http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/small-change-unsustainable-development.html

-out of many consequences from human unsustainable behavior I have chosen three based on the most interesting visual impact - water pollution, fish kill and fumes

-my original intention oh how to resolve these concerns into a JFFA outcome was to paint on fabric the visualizations of these three consequences and produce scarfs

-I took out books from the library about recycled and up cycled fabrics and natural dying techniques

-however, having studied them I realized that the process of making your own fabric and your own dye is very very time consuming and fiddly, whereas I had little time and concentration available for this project, as I had other project going along side it at all times

-at the same time I talked to another tutor (Helmert) who has very helpfully suggested to me (to avoid the hustle of having to produce a scarf from scratch) to buy second hand/vintage scarfs and paint the pattern on them using bleach

-I have expanded on this idea and thought that I could narrow down my concept to specific fabric/silk scarves production which is very unsustainable, to do this I carried out the following research: https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6844911069503655167#allposts

-on Friday 23rd January I went around London's charity shops, searching for second hand/vintage scarfs, however was unable to find six good quality cheap scarves, so instead I bought a set of curtains which had a fabulous print

-this was the work I have been doing alongside other projects for the "Small Change" project. I was unable to start actually making the products I was going to sell any earlier than the Tuesday the 27th of January because I simple did not have time (I was already spending around 10 out of 24 hours in my day on the project every day.

What I did:

-painted the scarves with bleach

-hemmed and ironed them

General reflection:

-theere were two especially difficult parts in the making process - painting with bleach for a long time and hemming the scarves. First was because I constantly inhaled the bleach vapors (which I do not think is very healthy) and second because it was a very fiddly process when you only have two arms, but in reality need all four to complete this process

-the best part was receiving a finished outcome which was actually worth of being sold because I was a bit worried that the final outcome will turn out looking too amateur 

-I have learnt the bleaching and the tape hemming techniques during the making process (http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.com/2015/01/bleaching-textiles.html , https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gy8nniI8Hfg) 

-the time management was arguably good (in that I did finish everything), however I was panicking, therefore I should have spread the job out more evenly (somehow) across a longer period of time

Process:

Undone the seams of the curtains

Marked out the squares

Cut out the squares

Six scarves ready to be painted

marked out and cut out the backing of the scarce

At this point I have tried bleaching the fabric I was intending to use for the scarves, however, to my big disappointment - it did not bleach, therefore due to the limitations of time and unavailability of other materials I had to turn to using for the scarves the material I was originally going to use for the backing

I used Domestos bleach and used it from a glass jar

Process

Kust after the bleach has been fully applied

Wash the bleach out

Dried the material

Ironed the material

Cut off the rough edges

Measured out perfect amounts of the hemming tape

Ironed on the hemming tape (bending the edge twice)

In the process of hemming

Wednesday 28th January

What I did:

-packaged the scarves

General reflection:

-the hardest part was repeating the same process over six times (I decided for myself that I do not like mass production). This was because doing it three times masters the outcome, however the fourth, fith and the sixth times you just get bored of the process

-the best part was getting the resolved final outcome which was ready to be sold

-I have learnt that when you are making the top of the box - make it 3mm larger in area, so that it fits the base of the box

-my time management was good, because I have finished everything in time

Process:

Thursday  29th January

The Green Market day. At 10:30 the whole of 3DDA Foundation course has set up stalls in the Street of KX. This was not difficult because each person had about 60x60 cm area to exhibit their final outcomes. Tutors helped students with pricing. For my scarve tutors suggested 4.50 GBP (!!!!!!!!!) whereas I was thinking 15 GBP. However, their reasoning was that because the majority of customers will be students (poor), I am better off setting a lower price and getting at least some sold, instead of setting a fair price, but getting none sold. The final price was made 6 GBP. In the ned I sold three scarves (two to students from 3DDA pathway and one to someone male who seemed like a teacher at CSM). I was happy with this, because I feared I am not going to sell any!

WEEK 17

Monday 19th January

THOUGHTS FOR REFLECTION

1) Yes, I explained my concept fast and clear (I was especially pleased by how my idea sounded out loud). The presentation sheets also helped convey my design development ideas and how I came to my final design. My listens seemed to nod, therefore I gather that they have understood my presentation. I did not have any language problems. I presented inside the 2 min frames I was set, therefore time management was good.2)If I were to improve my presentation I would finish the presentation sheets - research, final outcome and visualization. Perhaps more explanation about secondary research would have helped to show the viewers existing ideas which they are probably familiar with. Also the final outcome did not look as presentable as it could have because some weldings came apart and the shape has been distorted to fit the models which participated in the photo session and film. Perhaps it would also look better if I had a life model/mannequin showing my accessory on the body - for it to be more in context.3) Miua's work stood out for me. It was a head piece completed from tied in nots white rope, white tree stick which was used as a hanger for wooden plates also covered in white paint and existing in a variety of sizes. Her work represented a memory of the tradition of Birthday celebrations in her family. They count them by knocking wooden balls on the rosaries (beads). Her piece is conceptual as well as visual. The wooden plates make a knocking sound when the wearer of the piece moves. I  really like her piece because it looks very nice, finished and whole. In addition to visual esthetics I love how Miua incorporated sound and wood which I associate with comfort, warmth and protection (perfect to represent a family). The only down side of her piece is the practicality - it does't sit on the wearer's head, you have to constantly adjust it or even hold it in place.The second work which stood out for me was Maddie's. Her piece was a massive necklace/neckpiece/neck charm lace. Her project was based on her travels with her family as a child. She has been to 27 (actually 32, but she miscounted in the first time she did it) countries and each one stood out for her with its unique culture and colors. Maddie is into textiles, so she focused on different textiles from all these cultures. Her final outcome was a collection of individual and unique textiles donut pieces (approx. 10cm in diameter) which were hanged on a rope. Her idea was creating a charm piece where she could collect her memories about all the places she has been to. I loved how simple in concept, yet so visually effective her piece was. It was a shame due to high costs she soul not represent her work on a world map with each donut being located on the country it represents.4)To improve my verbal presentation I think its a good idea to spend some time on writing out (prior to the presentation) a list of bullet points which condense all the ideas and thoughts I want to mention in my presentation. This way my thinking process would be structured when I present. Otherwise I do not have problems presenting in front of the public.5)A good presentation for me looks like:-stand up with presentation sheets on a wall next to me and the final outcome on a table in front of them-look at all the audience, do not focus on one spot and look directly into the eyes-when speaking, point to the presentation sheet you are focusing your ideas on-first, explain the concept of your response to the Project Brief and how it has evolved-secondly, show and explain the research you have done and how it influenced your work-thirdly, show visualization of first designs you came up with after research and though process-then, show the final idea design (would be nice if it is represented in sketches from all sides, as it is 3D)-next, show and preferably wear the accessory - final outcome - you have made-afterwards, present the photos you have taken (especially in context) of your piece-lastly, say you have finished and thank everyone for attention6)The tutor feedback I was given was very small and unfortunately lacked any details and specific points. I was told that I just hit it with explanation of my concept (although other students expressed the opposite feeling, that I explained very well) and that the presentation sheets really helped.7)At the moment I am nowhere near reaching a set method of working. In every single project I use different materials and making techniques, because I want t try out everything to the full extent. I am hoping that in Unit 5 I will be able to use a method most relevant to me, which includes fabrics and painting.Nonetheless I am happy with everything a made so far. I love when a drawn design comes off the pages of my sketchbook in a 3D outcome.I find that all the work I do can me summarized as follows: very abstract and conceptual (it is not a clear object e.g. a bag or a shoe), contains fluidity and incorporates more than one part of the body. All fashion accessories are made off the body (the repeat the shape). The pieces can me called minimalistic, but at the same time not simple. I AM DEFINITELY AN ARTIST with elements of a designer and a moderate ability to make.8)I have not been catching any memories with my project. I have made my perfect design for a memory wear, however it is a very personal approach to the senses and functions of a human body, therefore to others it might seem as if I have not fulfilled my aims.9)I have definitely challenged myself with this project because I have never worked with metal before. I also incorporated the skills we were given in an induction in the first week of this project - soldering and welding. Working with metal was challenging because I had no previous practice and therefore skills set.10)I personally deny the concept of competition because my work is not for everyone. I focus on very niche (but therefore most understanding and interested) pool of people who will be taken by my work. I am not aiming high. My aim is to please with my design just a few people, but please them so well, that they instantly become loyal to my work (rather than pleasing thousands but not fully). My work is exceptional because it is made by me and not someone else.What I did:-crit of the "Memories Contained Within" project (reflection is above)-introduction to the "When Worlds Collide" project-given at random a brand and a place of historic interest-began research on these two elements:http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-cadbury.htmlhttp://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-chelsea-physic.htmlGeneral reflection:-the worst part today was being told all the names of brands and institutions which I could have potentially of got. This was because I automatically identified my favorite ones and obviously I did not get them. However I knew in my head that I should single out favorites, so it didn't really affect me and either way I like experiments-the best part today was finishing with the "memories contained within" project, because I like the feeling of completeness-I have learnt today what other students did (see in the reflection above)

WEEK 17 When Worlds Collide

Tuesday 20th January

What I did:

-researched my given brand and institution - Cadbury and Chelsea Physic Garden

http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-cadbury.html

http://vrresearchcsm.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/when-worlds-collide-chelsea-physic.html

General reflection:

-the hardest aspect of research was making sure the information was reliable, that is why I have sourced my information from the official sites of both companies

-the best part of today was getting to know both companies very well, which allowed me to see connections between them (i.e. similarities and differences)

-i have learnt some key dates about both brads which I had not idea about before

-my time management was excellent today because I managed to research both organizations and complete their information files - ready to start the design process

Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January

What I did:

-took apart both companies into their branding, customers profiles, employe profiles and ways of consumerisation of their products

General reflection:

-today I did not have a difficult part in the work process, I just new that I had to get through all the analysis to hit the best idea for what a collaboration between my two companies would look like

-the best part of today was realizing, that although at first I though a botanic garden and a chocolate company have absolutely nothing in common, in reality they have absolutely the same customer and employe profiles! I realized that any person of any age and gender can visit a garden and anyone can consume chocolate! Also, the workers who manage the garden or who work with chocolate in a factory have the same manual labour intensive jobs which require them to wear comfortable worker clothes, gloves and an apron.

-I guess today I had a good lesson about the fact that things don't always turn out as what they might seem like at a first glance

-my time management was excellent, because I have completely taken apart into escorts both combines, ready with all the information I needed to start designing and making, and i still have four days to do this

Friday 23rd - Monday 26th of January

What I did:

-decided upon a concept for my collaboration outcome

  When a visitor goes to the Chelsea Physic Garden on a walk, or the Garden's employee goes out to work in the nature, both have to wear comfortable, warm clothes (especially if it is winter time) including big coats, scarves and glove, which often lead to the person wearing them feeling a bit constrained in their movements, therefore are not set to be active and would rather just walk around the garden at a moderate to slow pace, enjoying the views. However, it is often the case, that when someone is in fresh air and walking around, their appetite grows and starts to crave something sweet - e.g. chocolate! Therefore, Cadbury can step into the story here and collaborate with Chelsea Physic Garden to offer to the customers and employees a bar classic chocolate which would fulfill anyone's cravings. However, having a bar of chocolate in your backpack is very annoying, because in order to get one piece in your mouth, each time, you would have to stop, take off the rucksack, open it, find the bar, put the rucksack back, take your gloves off, open the bar, break a piece off, take the piece with your dirty hands and finally eat it (covered with germs). I am sure most people would constrain themselves from having a piece if they knew so much effecter has to be put into it! Therefore, my concept and aims for the collaboration between the Chelsea Physic Garden and Cadbury is to create a small purse which can be attached to a belt/a bag/directly to the clothing. Which would break the chocolate bar for you and place each piece into an individual storage area, which each has its own personal access (door) to it for the consumer. And a small pin like object which can impose a piece of chocolate and take it to the consumer's mouth, without dirtying anything.

-designed the outcome

-made the outcome

General reflection:

-the most difficult part was the making part, where I had to consider all the measurements very carefully, because, for example in the fold area 1 extra mm had to be added in order for the layers to come together evenly

-the best part, was when I finished my piece and saw that my concept worked, because I have never seen a similar mechanism, therefore I have made something unique

-during this process I have learnt my figuring it out, that when your are making a "door" there has to be 1-2 extra mm counted into the size, in order for the door to fit the base

-the time management was excellent, because I fully finished the sketchbook and the final outcome on monday evening, which meant that I was ready to start working on the next project

The making process:

Final outcome:

Application: