Demonstration of technical and visual skills

Throughout this module I have used a wide range of materials for each exercise and clearly documented in my learning log my ideas, and inspirational sources. I have pushed myself to expand my techniques for drawing, improving my observational skills and thinking carefully about composition. I became interested in assemblage while researching the work of Louise Nevelson and used this as inspiration while using plaster of Paris. I carried this technique through to my collage work. I built on my strengths of working with colour, shape and texture together with surface manipulation and made some well thought out samples. I like my learning log to be visually stimulating and exciting and to demonstrate my design skills.

Quality of outcome

I made a lot of successful samples, exploring different materials, which I photographed clearly and presented effectively in my learning log with clear explanations. During the sorting exercise I used judgement to decide which samples had worked well to provide inspiration, and also those from which I had learnt even if the outcome wasn’t to my liking. I am pleased with the work I selected at this stage although I do sometimes find it hard to narrow it down to a limited number of samples. I have clearly documented the progression from initial to developed samples.

Demonstration of creativity

I have taken more risks both with my sampling and also with my drawing. I have mixed different materials and techniques in an experimental way, linking with previous exercises such as joining and wrapping. I have presented sources of inspiration and tried lots of ways to interpret these. I am really pleased with the way that my mark making skills have improved by using different materials and also varying the scale. The observations are freer and more exciting, providing lots more inspiration to move away from the original inspirational source and find my own creative voice. My colour choices are carefully thought out and documented.

Context

I have researched a number of artists, some of which were not on the suggested list, and referred to these within my log during the sampling process. I have looked at methods and ideas from a wide range of magazines, books, internet sites, and also from my peers in my stitching group who give me feedback during our weekly Zoom meetings. I regularly look at the work of The Textile study group, and the Internet site Textile artist.org.

During my sampling I have also looked for inspiration from artefacts such as Roman remains, and nature, including man made structures such as dry stone walls.

I am reflecting constantly on my progress and trying to think of things in different ways so as to learn and grow. I am always excited to try new ideas and to look at other artists. My head is full of ideas to take forward to the next module.