Proposal: I plan to study modern/ contemporary architecture, for this I will photograph a range of buildings using Manchester as my main focus. The artists I have researched and chosen to influence my work are Sven Pfrommer an artist who uses layering and bright arylic colours and the sketchy watercolour images of Simone Ridyard.

Observational Drawings: For my A-Level art component one, I have done 12 A5 observational drawings from my photos, six using only pencil and biro then six using ideas from my chosen artists.

Etching: Using one of my photographs I made an A5 etching plate, which I created a range of prints from, I have then worked into them using pencil, biro, acrylic and the artists styles.

Exploration and Development: I have explored a range of different techniques to develop further these were, painting and layering all on A4. From these I developed the best ways of using them further, and progressed to working on cardboard and wood, on the right you can see one of my A3 development pieces.

Project Outline: Currently working on my A Level Textiles component one, I have chosen to explore the theme of recycled denim, I have so far completed the research, exploration and development stages and am currently at the last part building up to making my final design. Here is some of my work so far…

Research

Artist research: I firstly looked at many different artists and ideas on Pinterest, then choosing my two favourite and the ones that will work best with my theme. I created two artist mood boards, for Faustine Steinmetz, who works mostly in denim, and my second designer Viktor and Rolf, which I especially liked for producing a whole collection by up-cycling garments from previous collections.

Initial Ideas: Using my research mood boards I came up with some ideas reflecting the different styles and colour schemes of each artist, and then made two samples of how I would make them, these were dissolvable fabric and weaving.

Photographs: To extend my ideas I took a range of photos which could inspire possible patterns and designs to include in my work. From this I produced some samples using ideas from my artists.

Exploration

Design Idea 1: My first set of design ideas reflect inspiration from one of my artists, Faustine Steinmetz. To show this I have chosen the same colour scheme and would use mostly denim and dissolvable fabric. To progress my design ideas I made some samples for each design, eyelets, dissolvable fabric and beading. I scanned these in to produce different patterns to then put into my scanned in designs on Photoshop, I repeated this 3 times.

Design Idea 2: Basing my second set on the style of Viktor and Rolf I have used a wider colour scheme and range of techniques that I felt could be adapted to fit my theme of recycled denim well. Like my first set of ideas I have made two decoration, and one construction sample for each design, then experimented with a range of patterns and filters on Photoshop.

Design Idea 3: For my third idea I have combined the ideas from my two other ideas as well as using inspiration from the works of both of my artists to see how well they compliment each other. Again I have created samples that show how I would make my designs, I have been able to explore using different patterns before I go onto development.

Development

Mannequin Work: I have chosen one design from each set of design ideas to make out of paper on a mannequin, I have taken pictures of how I made it and then developed my designs further by adding things like ruffles and pockets.

Development designs: I have narrowed down my ideas to create these designs using a more minimal colour pallet as well as combining the best aspects from all of my ideas so far. I have made some samples of how I would make these designs.

Refining

Final Design: Combining all of my developments so far I have come up with a final design, I plan to use recycled denim and organza as my main fabrics as well as using a range of different techniques on the garments.

Pattern Cutting: I have copied patterns for an unstructured jacket and a basic sleeve, which I have developed into a pattern for my denim jacket, as well as changing a skirt into an asymmetrical wrap skirt.

Making: I am still yet to make my final design, however I have a good idea of how I will do this, the main fabric will be recycled denim that i have used from old jeans and then i will use blue organza, dissolvable fabric and beads to decorate my design, reflecting clearly my theme and the influence from my artists.