Week 2 Journal

Lecture

Shelly Fox, a British designer based in New York, gained recognition for her work after graduating from Central Saint Martins MA in 1996. Her graduation collection, featuring beautifully-crafted "scorched felt" pieces, was acquired by Liberty, a London department store renowned for supporting independent designers.

Initially focusing on textile experimentation and innovative pattern-cutting techniques, Fox expanded her practice to include installation and film. She began integrating these mediums with her fashion presentations and later pursued them as independent research projects while working as a research fellow at Central Saint Martins and discontinuing seasonal collections.

Fox's work is characterized by her attention to the materiality of fabrics and garments. She explores the connections between clothing, memory, and history, supported by extensive research in archives and collections. Interestingly, she combines her interest in the physicality of clothing with an engagement in various media. Through collaborations, she has ventured into film, sound installations, photography, and digital media, incorporating a multi-sensory experience that includes sound and fragrance.

Recently appointed as the Donna Karan Professor of Fashion and chair of the upcoming MFA program in Fashion Design and Society at Parsons, Fox has relocated to New York. In her new role, she aims to impart her expansive understanding of fashion design to her students.

During a meeting at a West Village coffee shop, Fox discussed her past and present work, revealing that she received training in both fashion and textile design and studied at Central Saint Martins.

Lecture Research

Grace Ndiritu is a contemporary artist known for her diverse and multidisciplinary approach to art. While she has worked in various mediums, including video, performance, and textiles, your query specifically mentions "Still Life, Lying Down Textiles." However, it's important to note that I don't have specific information about a work titled "Still Life, Lying Down Textiles" by Grace Ndiritu in my database up to my last knowledge update in September 2021.

Grace Ndiritu's work often explores themes related to identity, culture, spirituality, and the body. She is known for her innovative use of textiles in her art, often creating intricate and visually compelling textile pieces that incorporate elements of traditional African fabrics and patterns. Her work has been exhibited in galleries and museums internationally, and she has gained recognition for her contributions to contemporary art.

If you have more specific information or questions about Grace Ndiritu's work or a particular piece titled "Still Life, Lying Down Textiles," I would recommend checking with art galleries, museums, or art publications for the most up-to-date and detailed information about her work and exhibitions.

Design

Blindfold Experiment

In my blindfold experiment during a shower, I embarked on a unique journey to re-imagine the everyday ritual of bathing using a completely unconventional approach. The purpose of this experiment was to reconsider the process of bathing through tactile, auditory, and imaginative senses, by eliminating the visual component entirely. I donned a blindfold as I commenced this immersive experience, rendering myself wholly reliant on my other senses to navigate the surrounding environment.

With my eyes closed, I began to explore the toiletries and accessories by touch. The sense of touch became remarkably heightened, allowing me to discern the contours and textures of each item with greater clarity. The shampoo bottle's curves, the soap's angles, and the towel's fabric all left profound impressions on my fingertips. These everyday items took on a heightened sense of reality in my hands, as if they possessed a life of their own.

During the course of the shower, I kept my eyes closed and listened intently to the sound of water. The droplets striking various objects produced an array of distinct sounds. These auditory sensations metamorphosed into visual imagery within my mind's eye, akin to dispersed cellular nuclei. The rhythm and pitch of the water sounds harmonized with the tactile sensations of each item I touched, creating a delightful sense of cohesion.

What astonished me the most was the emergence of different luminosities and shapes in my mind's eye while my eyes remained closed. My brain seemed to be attempting to compensate for the absence of visual input, generating a series of abstract patterns. Shades of blue, green, and orange intermingled to form a beautiful and vibrant tableau. These abstract patterns continually evolved within my mind, akin to hallucinations, adding a delightful and immersive dimension to the entire bathing experience.

This blindfold experiment during my shower prompted me to reevaluate the ways in which we perceive and experience the world. It taught me how to pay closer attention to the details surrounding me, listen to the natural sounds, and find beauty in the darkness. This experiment not only enriched my daily bathing routine but also inspired profound contemplation about sensory experiences and imagination. By closing my eyes, I discovered an entirely new world within the confines of the shower—a world brimming with wonder and creativity.

An abstract pattern similar to these two images is mapped when the eyes are closed

Reflection

As an individual living with ADHD, I often find myself immersed in a unique world of abstract patterns and vivid sensory experiences. These abstract patterns frequently manifest in my dreams and during moments of daydreaming. What's intriguing is that these abstract patterns are not static; they are highly influenced by the environment and my emotional state.

One notable aspect of my sensory perception is heightened sensitivity to sound. Different environments trigger varying degrees of sensitivity, leading to synesthetic experiences where sound and color intermingle in my mind. For instance, a bustling street may evoke a symphony of vibrant hues, while the hush of a forest can be a tapestry of soothing tones. These synesthetic moments provide me with a rich and ever-changing palette of sensory experiences.

In light of these personal encounters with my own mind, my latest artistic endeavor seeks to externalize the phantasmagorical landscapes that reside within my consciousness. Through my work, I aspire to establish a profound connection with my audience, inviting them to step into the world of an ADHD individual.

The core concept behind my project is to bridge the gap between my inner world, teeming with abstract patterns and sensory crossroads, and the external world that others inhabit. I aim to create visual and auditory art pieces that reflect the intricate tapestry of my sensory experiences. My hope is that, by sharing these creations, I can foster empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the unique perspectives of individuals with ADHD.

In essence, my work is a vibrant and dynamic exploration of the human mind's capacity for imagination and sensory richness. It serves as a window into the intricate world that unfolds within the consciousness of someone with ADHD, ultimately aiming to spark dialogue and connection between diverse cognitive experiences.

Reflection on Project

In my fashion design, my design direction is to create commemorative clothing, which is often worn on special occasions such as evening gowns, wedding dresses, and birthday dresses. I will focus on showcasing my hand embroidery skills, as well as conducting in-depth research and customization of basic patterns.

In my design project, I am committed to incorporating elements of commemoration into each piece of clothing, making each work a cherished moment for people. I believe that clothing is not just about appearance but can also carry emotions and memories. Therefore, I pay attention to every detail, from fabric selection to embroidery patterns, striving to create unique and distinctive pieces.

In particular, I will concentrate on developing my hand embroidery skills, which will be a significant feature of my designs. Hand embroidery not only adds exquisite craftsmanship to the clothing but also gives each piece a unique artistic and commemorative value. I will explore different embroidery styles and techniques to ensure that each design has a unique visual appeal.

Additionally, I plan to conduct in-depth research on basic patterns and offer personalized customization. By reexamining basic patterns, I hope to create the most well-fitting and satisfying clothing for each customer. I believe that customization is key to achieving commemorative clothing design, as it can meet individual needs and desires.

Lastly, I plan to expand my skills in beadwork as part of this design project. Beadwork is an exquisite craft that can add glamorous details and radiance to clothing. I will study different types of beadwork and explore how to cleverly incorporate them into my designs to create charming and exquisite clothing.

In summary, my design direction is to create clothing with commemorative significance and unique charm, with a focus on hand embroidery skills, personalized customization of basic patterns, and the use of beadwork. I hope that my designs can add beauty and unforgettable memories to people's special moments.

Drape Experience

Technical

Dress Facing and Lining

Textile

Embroidery

Natural Dye experience

Laser cutting experience