Overview
This chapter takes a shape from a previous study and explores how it can be manipulated to produce a design.
Looking For Edges and Lines Around Shapes
I chose a shape based on an individual flower from verbena bonariensis which I had used in the solid shape chapter. I experimented with overlaying the shape to create different designs. I found it useful to draw the shape several times onto clear, stiff plastic.
8.1 Shape exploration.
8.2 Shape exploration.
8.3 Shape exploration.
8.4 Shape exploration.
I also tried using cling film which produced some wonderful results.
8.5 Shape exploration on cling film.
8.6 Shape exploration on cling film.
8.7 Shape exploration on cling film.
Sections of these designs were enlarged on to A5 paper and the designs were coloured in.
8.8 Enlarged sections of designs
8.9 Coloured with water colour paint.
8.10 Coloured with wax crayon and water colour paint.
8.11 Coloured using masking fluid and water colour paint.
8.12 Coloured with water colour paint,
8.13 Collaged paper.
8.14 Coloured with wax crayon.
Stacking and Unstacking
The next step was to create a stack using the papers created in chapter 5. I drew a design on the back using the previous designs as a guide. The pages were firmly clipped together and the lines were serrated by using a threadless sewing machine. The pieces were separated and used to develop the design. I found one of the shapes reminded me of an open mouthed dog or crocodile and that was all I could see! I discovered that changing the orientation of the design could overcome this.
8.15 Design drawn on to reverse of paper stack.
I tried removing layers of paper to reveal the other layers. This exercise is a good example of how the impact of colours can be affected by their immediate neighbour.
8.16 Removing various pieces to reveal lower layers. Note the contrast between the dark brown and light blue.
8.17 Removing various pieces to reveal lower layers. The central green/yellow piece stands out against the dark background. The small triangle in the lower right initially stood out against the original background but in the final design is is barely noticeable,
I then played around with the shapes, arranging, weaving and slotting them together. I tried various colour combinations.
8.18 Arranging the paper shapes.
8.19 Arranging the paper shapes.
The next step was to create more resolved designs using stitching or sticking with glue.
8.20 Pieces of the same shape slotted together and stuck down
8.21 Pieces of the same shape folded, arranged and stuck down.
8.22 The pieces of the design were separated slightly to reveal the background and then machine stitched. The design made me think of a dog or crocodile with ears and open mouth and once I saw this I couldn’t unsee it! It looks better when seen with a different orientation.
8.23 The pieces of the design were separated slightly to reveal the background and then machine stitched. The piece was cut into three and reassembled. This also over came the problem of seeing the dog and crocodile!
8.25 Pieces arranged and stuck together. Wrapped with thread and stuck to the background.
8.26 Four pieces of the same shape were placed face down on the background and machine stitched along the lower edge of the shape. The pieces were then folded back to reveal the layers.
8.27 Several shapes were stuck together to make a long strip. The strip was then pleated and machine stitched.
8.28 Four of the triangular pieces were arranged on to the background paper and stuck down. Tucks were made in the paper to distort the shapes and machined stitched.
8.29 Similar to 8.28 but ieth diagonal tucks.
Edges as Lines
I tried the “pin man” exercise using my slightly modified flower head shape. The idea is to see the effect of removing pieces of the design to see how much can be inferred from what is left.
8.30 Removing parts of the design.
Using the same motif I used the “whack and stack” method of designing. Several layers of paper were stacked and cut using the sewing machine. Designs were created using different combinations.
8.31 Different colour combinations.
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