Week ending 29 May 2015 – Final Studio Class - The finishing touches

Description

The last studio class before exhibition preparations begin.  The final push to the end of the degree is in full swing.

Exhibition Titles 

The exhibition titles have been submitted to the administration.  This will allow a uniform display of information for all students. 

 Exhibition Titles:  

Memory Threads

Random threads of memory are fragile and disappear into voids.  These outlined figures aim to put you in the picture about memory loss and raise awareness.

Layers of Place

 

Layers of memory voids given a sense of place with visual imagery.

   Layers of Self

The unique layers of personal identity revealed with layers of imagery.  The unique person behind memory loss is seen. 

  Sound Stories

Reminiscing stories about family photographs recorded to fill the memory voids. The sound accessed via smart phone QR code generator app.

Disclaimer: Accessing this QR code may/will incur usage of your personal data allowances.  Neither the artist nor FVC can be held liable. 

  Memory Books

A memory aid

QR Coding Symbols  

The Sound Stories artwork with three mixed media and textiles have individual photographs.  Each photograph has a reminiscing story that has been recorded.  This recording will be accessible via the smart phone application QR coding generator.

In the Exhibition titles I have included a disclaimer note:

The QR coding will require adequate spacing between each symbol to allow the Smart phone application generator application to work. As a solution, I have reduced the QR coding printing size to 40%. 

Each QR coding symbol will be placed under the appropriate story.  Each symbol has a different story.  The QR code symbols have been put onto foam broad to produce a more professional finish.

As part of the exhibition I will have a plinth that will have the display of the Alzheimer’s Scotland information leaflets and my business cards.  I selected a plinth and have prepared the surface with filler, sanding paper and paint. 

portfolio of work

 Gathering work together. The sketchbooks, research folder, Alzheimer Scotland folder will be presented in a storage box
  

Exhibition Space Preparation:

I was unable to prepare the wall area with paint as there were other artworks still in place.  I removed pencil marks with eraser.  The remaining pencil marks are under wall paste and cannot be removed with eraser.   I have cleaned the area with the embroidery. 

 Plinth reparation 

 

 3d folded memory books

 

The 3d folded memory books  will be suspended from wall brackets using fishing line.  I am considering putting a small plinth under each suspension.  This possibility will be explored during exhibition preparations.

Contextual Studies

 Essay submitted with CD copy.

Feelings

This week has been a reflective one.  As time is going by so quickly I will be finishing with the studio classes.   I just need to remain focused on one step at a time and I will get to the end of the preparations.
 

Evaluation

The good points are that I have put the plans in hand to received assistance with preparations for exhibition.  The access to the wall has been restricted and this cannot be resolved until next week.   

 Analyses

I have remained focused on each task and with the assistance I have achieved the QR Coding foam mounts.  The exhibition titles are ready and waiting. 

 The portfolio of work for exhibition presentation is gathering together.  The preparations for exhibition are as ready with equipment and possible presentations plans have been considered.

  project's resolved artwork

 The layering of textiles and mixed media mediums.

Layering textiles and mixed media that includes family photographs, reminiscing stories and memory books.  

Memory Threads” - Horizontal Embroidery tapestry/ random embroidery threads/ embellished with hand stitched outline figures.  

• “Layers of Self”- Vertical photocopied paper base of various family photographs/ hand stitched attachment of random machine embroidery edging/ layered by transparent organza with image transferred photographic images that were attached off centre by hand stitching/ layer of a cream muslin with image transferred photographic imagery had cut out the figures to create a void. Hand stitched placement was not central / revealed edging overhang of previous layers to conveyed the random nature of memory/ layer of transparent coloured acetate with the central photographic imagery matched the paper layer imagery in size.  

• “ Layers of Place” – Vertical layers of void imagery transferred onto textiles and acetate / image transferred muslin hand stitched the attachment of edging of random machine stitched embroidery/ layer of organza with bondaweb material / layer of coloured A4 acetate with the photographic imagery without figures

 

 

 

 

• “Sound Stories”- Horizontal layered random machined stitched embroidery with 3 photographs /3 photographs layered with mixed media and textiles. Layer of QR coding symbols, a smart phone application, placed directly under composition.

• Two folding memory books created as 3D objects as hanging display photomontage.

These resolved artworks will raise awareness of memory loss and reduce the stigma.. 

Conclusion

This final week in studio class had been without space to work on the exhibition area.  The early access has not been possible.

Action Plan

Exhibition preparations:

Room preparation removal of artworks

Wall painting

Mounting artwork

Artists’ titles

Portfolio of work

 

Week ending 22 May 2015 - Week before Prpeparation for exhibition

 

Description

The artworks have been picked up from the picture framer.  Looking good. 

Sound Stories

layers of Self

Layers of Place

I have Purchased equipment for exhibition preparation. 

The Preparation of exhibition space began by removing the artwork wallpaper.  I received assistance from the class colleague who had created the piece. 

 

The Double sided tape on the wall proved difficult to remove. 

I have Prepared and sent the Statement of Assessment.

The Artwork Titles and notes sent to administration to be prepared for exhibition.

I Send an invitation to the Alzheimer’s Scotland contact who have kindly supplied the leaflet information for the exhibition.  The reply came and she will visit on Wednesday 9th June.  

I have Confirmed the exhibition assistance with technician.

The Exhibition dates sent by college  have slight amendments to my previous post:

June 5 Fri 10 - 4

June 6 Sat 10 - 2

June 8 Mon 10 - 5

June 9 Tues 10 - 7

June 10 Wed 10 - 5

June 11 Thurs 10 - 4

Awaiting the date and time of the examiners visit. 

Feelings

As the week ended with submission of Statement of Assessment I will be glad to get on with the project. 

 Evaluation

The time is ticking away as other course work takes priority. 

Analysis

The rule of expect the unexpected is very apt as I received feedback from the contextual studies essay.  Back to the drawing broad. 

 

Conclusion

Working steadily away at the project will get to end of project. 

 

Action Plan

QR coding foam mount cut

Clean area with embroidery and filled holes

Sketchbooks and research folder

Essay submission with CD

Prepare the exhibition space fill in holes

Week ending 15 May 2015 - Exhibition Scramble

Description

Cutting mount for QR coding.  

Locker empty and key returned with deposit returned I immediately paid the exhibition fees.  Give with one hand take with the other. 

exhibition area

 

 

The exhibition area is displayed and after consideration I reserved the studio practice room.  As no other student had selected this area I began preparations.

Studio room corner wall area have previous art projects attached.  Discussions with artists to request removal has met with positive response. 

Discussions throughout the term with tutors in regard to assistance with exhibition set up.  Investigation with possible contractor as alternative option. 

After consultation with technician agreed was made that his assistance would be available with the veto that his time will be restricted and  early access to the studio room will need to requested.

The purchase of self brackets with screws and raw plugs sourced from local ironmongers.  Other exhibition equipment will be purchased next week.  Acquired suppliers catalogue to consult with technician about appropriate materials.

This  request for early access sent to tutor for permission to be circulated and sought from other tutors and class colleagues.

Exhibition information circulated by class colleague.   I have sent a copy to the tutor to for information.   Also requested exhibition information to help with preparations. 

QR Coding demonstration

QR Coding demonstration via tutor I pad.  The suggestions in regard to spacing of QR coding symbols to allow scanning will be observed and I will need to access iPad when mounting the artwork. 

The download of sound works .  The photograph needs to be adjusted via my website.

Wix.com website edited photograph imagery to allow mobile viewing. 

Picture framer

Picture framer has confirmed the artworks will be ready for pick up next week. 

Exhibition

  Feelings

It is getting near to the end of the degree and work is piling up with project work, contextual essay and statement of assessment .  I will be counting each second.  Tick tock.

Keeping fingers crossed and saying a little prayer. 

Evaluation

College exhibition area selection on display in the studio room,  Reserved places are already taken.  Considerations were photographed and  consideration of footfall during exhibition and familiar surrounding with colleagues were the remit in my selection of Studio room reserved for BAD3B.  The preparations well under way I will be positive.

Consultation with technician in regard to exhibition received proposal to help but within time restriction that will require early access.  Notification to tutors to seek permission for early access to Studio Room  to set up exhibition.  So I await reply from college authorities.    

QR Coding

Website adjustment of photographs to allow mobile access was time consuming. 

Referral to blog for statement of assessment

Analysis

Finding out information about exhibition.  I received the finer details via other class student.

Dates :

Mon 25 May Statement For Assessment submission before 9 am
Fri 29 May Exhibition fee /lockers emptied/ contextual essay 4.00 p.m.
Mon 1 June clear & prepare spaces
Thurs 4^th June Private viewing deadline 3.00
Fri 5^th June all work including stuff not in the exhibition set out for assessment
Mon 8^th & Tues 9^th June Examiners
Wed 10^th June exhibition closes 4.30
Thursday 11thJune All work down

Conclusion

Spending time reviewing blog reflects the past term  at what I have done.  No time for regrets.

Action Plan

Tutor review of statement of assessment before submission

Measure up artworks

Measure & prepare wall

Titles

Project work

Week ending 8th May 2015 – Construction Plan is coming together

Description

Scouting potential Exhibition sites

Scouting the college for potential sites that can accommodate my exhibition pieces.  The exhibition pieces will include:

·         The hanging embroidery

 

 

·         3 floating acyclic mounts

 

 

 

 

·         2 hanging 3 dimensional folding memory books

 

·         1 storage box with sketchbooks and research folder

 

 

·         A plinth to place the Alzheimer’s Scotland information leaflets and my business cards. 

 After discussion with the tutor I proposed a perspective site.  Since this discussion I have received the college floor map that indicates were the various courses are allocated.  The perspective site is not included within the floor map. 

I will need to discuss the possibilities of acquiring permission to use the perspective site and/or reconsider another location. 

Construction - Final stitching

Sense of Place

Sense of Self

 

Sound Story

 

 

 

Memory Book

Construct mount card to provide a firm base to hang the 3 dimension folds.  Inserted equal 4 holes to thread through fishing line to ensure the stability of the presentation.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Storage box

 

 

 

 

 

Picture Framer

Arranged with the picture framer to call in on Monday to begin mounting the 3 textile and mixed media artworks.

Research folder

Presentation Review

Sketchbooks

Update and review presentation

Alzheimer’s Scotland

As part of my exhibition I wish to raise awareness of memory loss.  I have received a supply of Alzheimer’s Scotland leaflets to distribute to the public who attend the exhibition. 

Statement of Assessment

Downloaded the PDF format and I have begun to draft a copy based on the review of this blog. The tutor recommended that I attend the PDP class for the Statement of Assessment tutorial.  
 

Feeling

The final couple of weeks are speeding by and the nerves are jangling.  The time plan is on track and my trusty notebook with to do lists is comforting. 

The drafting of the Statement of Assessment is in progress.  Review of the project materials will be the basis of the Statement:

Module handbook aims and learning outcomes, blog reflections, sketchbooks, research folder, resolved artworks for presentation

Evaluation

Finalised the textiles and mixed media artwork ready to attach onto Summerset paper.  The summerset paper will be mounted onto the Acrylic Mounts by the picture framer to ensure professional standard of presentation.   

The various layers of textiles and mixed media are hand stitched together.  The time and patience to hand stich each layer ensured accuracy.    A high quality of hand stitching was achieved.  By using the same sewing thread as the hanging tapestry embroidery I have maintained an aesthetically matching piece that links both artworks. 

The link between embroidery tapestry and the textile and mixed media artworks has been given more emphasis by hand stitching a layer of random embroidery stitching onto the textile and mixed media pieces that matches the hanging tapestry. 

This layer of matching medium will give the presentation a cohesive appearance and achieve a professional standard presentation. 

Analysis

Vertical Layout - Sense of place

A layer of muslin textile with an image transferred montage of void photographic imagery attached with random machine stitched embroidery via hand stitching and masking tape. 

The size of Acetate was analysed and evaluated.  The selection of A4 sized imagery of void photographic gives focus to the void outline imagery and will reflect the outlined  figure within the  embroidery tapestry.   

Vertical Lay out - Sense of Self

A layer of paper with full photographic imagery has attached a layer of random stitched embroidery that matches the embroidery tapestry.   The layer was attached via hand stitching and masking tape.

 A layer of organza with image transferred photographic imagery attached onto layer of muslin via bondaweb activated by heated iron. 

The layer of muslin with image transferred photographic imagery has a void of imagery extracted to allow the lower layers of imagery to be revealed.

The acetate size was evaluated and analysis of the overall aesthetic was considered.  The selection of a smaller acetate imagery was to match the paper layer of photographic imagery that contained the same imagery. 

 The attachment of the acetate was evaluated and analysis of the aesthetics was considered.  As the complete work has been hand stitched with the same thread as the embroidery tapestry I have maintained the same medium to hand stitch onto the muslin layer. 

Horizontal layout - Sound Story  

The random embroidery thread will be the background for the 3 mixed media and textile piece.  The random embroidery thread matches the embroidery tapestry and the other 2 textiles and mixed media pieces. 

This piece will have a horizontal layout compared to the other 2 textile and mixed media pieces vertical layout.   

The piece has 3 photographic images with layers of textiles and papers that have been placed in a central position within the embroidery threads.  The 3 photographic images with layers of textiles and papers was pinned into their central position.  The sewing machine attached the photographic imagery onto the embroidery thread.  The stitched thread matched the embroidery tapestry ensured a cohesive appearance throughout the whole presentation. 

 

The inclusion of QR Coding was withdrawn after evaluation and analysis.  The QR coding distracted and overwhelmed the 3 photographic images with layers of textiles and paper.

The QR coding imagery will be reduced and attached to the wall.  The wall placement of the QR coding was considered as a vinyl display directly below the floating mount of the sound story.  The placement of the QR coding would match the story of each photograph. 

However financial restrictions have restricted the use of vinyl display.  Alternative solution of mount card positioned directly below the floating mount. 

Conclusion

The time taken to ensure a cohesive presentation is well spend and the time plan allowed extra allocation  to ensure the weakness of my previous presentations were eliminated. 

 Action Plan

Meeting with picture framer to mount the artwork

Discuss exhibition placement possibilities

Statement of Assessment draft review with tutor

Display of 3 dimensional folding memory book - Source wall brackets with nails and hook to suspend fishing line