Final Major Project 2: Marine Biology- Fish

This is my final piece for my project, photographed in the Farnham Maltings (thank you, Burton & Laura!).


For this project, I was inspired by the fish at the Horniman Museum in London, and the wall hangings at the Lost in Lace Exhibition, in Birmingham. With the fish, I was more interested in the colours and movement of the fish, which I thought was best effective through the method of ikat, the method of binding yarn to get different colours and patterns within the cloth.

I found this to be a difficult project, because of linking my ideas to my ikat, and the constant tangling of the threads due to the nature of the yarns used, but I'm glad that I stuck by it, because I know that I could overcome something, no matter how challenging it was!

I  wanted to create three wall hanging pieces, changing in the spacing of colour, and thought that it would be suitable for somewhere in a bohemian/ethnic type restaurant, because I thought it would be better than a corporate building, because I have always tried to stay away from this, because I'm quite free-spirited and my ideas are really all over the place. For that reason, I thought a vibrant restaurant, like a Moroccan Restaurant would be more appreciated.

I do prefer the tie-dye technique in comparison, but I would like to continue with the fabric manipulation post-graduation, and possibly create a ready-made textiles range from it.

Exhibition: University for Creative Arts, Farnham

I was proud to have put both of my work up at the degree show at UCA Farnham; it was a proud moment, because I have had a difficult and challenging year, where I was always over-thinking both projects, and to have pulled through and still have some pretty good looking pieces is amazing.

I now know that I have been a bit too free-spirited this year which is why I have found this year difficult because I had to constantly analyse what I am doing, which I am not good at doing.

The past 3 years has been awesome, with the amount of different techniques and methods I learnt that I would never forget.

However, it has made me realize that I do love textiles, and although I do not want to necessarily just stick myself in that field, because I have found a new love of jewellery making, which is what I would like to pursue so that I can combine both of these things.

If anyone is around Farnham between 11-15th June, then come and see everyone's wicked work; I think everyone I have worked with is amazingly talented and it would be a good opportunity to see some gorgeous pieces.

My new line: Iffy Jewellery

I have started a new line, showcasing my hand-woven textiles and jewellery, my two loves!

Jewellery has always been my first love and passion, but I didn't want to have to pay for the lessons, and I found it difficult to get on a specific jewellery course for my degree, so I settled for textiles. I never used to have much patience for the whole aspect of fabric making, because I just found it really hard to fully understand, but when I specialized in woven textiles, I enjoyed the whole aspect of colour combinations and different pattern makings that were subtle but showcasing my quirky perspective.

It was when I got a work placement with Tatty Devine last year, that my passion for jewellery grew, and it has become something I knew that I could use alongside my textiles.

Even though I have been running my own eco-clothing and jewellery line for the duration of my degree, I also wanted to do something that was a little more professional and cohesive, which is why I started this new line. I will be selling yarn wrapped bangles and earrings, as well as fabric necklaces and rings, showing off my woven textiles.

They will be for sale on etsy from Friday 8th June 2012, for everyone to purchase, and will be gradually added every fortnight or so.