Origins Evaluation

The origins unit has taught me a lot about myself and the way that I work, particularly within my drawing techniques. I started with hand embroidery, and as a lot of the work was technique based, I found it hard to relate my initial photographs and drawings of the city. I struggled as my drawings were so representational, which forced me to find new ways to characterize the way that I drew. I started to draw more from my samples as I discovered I really enjoyed mark making. In some respects this was hard as I was almost working backwards, but it also helped me to further develop my work by using these marks to influence new samples.

Throughout embroidery I have discovered that I really love simplicity. Specifically within machine embroidery, some of the stitches are so intricate that I almost feel the need to keep them simple to reveal their beauty. I feel that the black and white pallet enabled me to experiment more with the stitches that I was using, rather than relying on colour to add interest. Through working in such a minimal nature, I have learnt that the ground you work on is so important; drawing me towards lighter fabrics that already have some kind of pattern or grain within them, for example, silk dupion, ice wool and more open linens. I preferred hand stitch as I feel I have more control over the stitch; confidence will obviously come with more practice on the machines.

I have also discovered that I enjoy mark making so much more than representational drawing. This was discovered not only through my sketchbook drawings that related to my stitch samples, but also through the Friday drawing sessions; which have really allowed me to experiment with different techniques and have most definitely made me more confident. I have realised that I much prefer drawing on a blank canvas rather than a prepared surface, which says that I’m far more of a clean working person.

I believe I am managing my time reasonably well considering the amount of work we’ve had to do combined with how time consuming the samples are. I have found that I spend most of my spare time in the Art School due to the nature of embroidery and the equipment provided for us. During hand embroidery I spent less time in the base room as I knew I could do it from home, which maybe had an effect on how my samples turned out. From this, I’ve learnt that I have much more of a creative flow and I am much more inspired when constantly being surrounded by people making work.

The origins unit has really enabled me to discover the way I work, through the simple nature of the stitches. I have enjoyed the clean monochrome palette that was forced upon us, as it has really allowed me to concentrate on the concept and patterns within my samples. Although I am now looking forward to moving onto knit and weave so that I can experiment with colours.