Burnt Experimental Samples

(Samples within Sketchbook produced by Myself) 

    As you can see above, these are samples that I have created using the fabrics I have purchased at my local fabric shop. I got the idea to do this when I was previously researching decayed/rusted objects from a book in the library, plus I thought that it could also be an indication of a dying brain by the way it is burning up and holes can represent the lost memories, hence it really relates to my theme of "Living with Dementia". I really enjoyed the process as it was easy to do (a fluid lighter), despite the burns on my fingers! It was interesting to see how all the fabrics individually reacted to the same process, for example the see-through plastic took slightly longer to burn, although it spread the fastest, whereas the mesh was quick but it spread fairly slowly. Nonetheless, I thought that it was very successful and I would like to create more samples with these and see if they will help me develop my illustrations soon to come for my Final Major Project (FMP). In addition to this, I decided to use the heat press technique again, but this time they contained the burnt pieces of fabric within to again, represent the troubled, decaying brain that I would see as being similar to a person who was diagnosed with dementia. I also think that I should try to go to some more exhibitions whilst I still have time to see if I can develop any more inspiration for my FMP and perhaps consider trying out new processes.

     Overall, I am very happy with the progress I have made so far in terms of experimentation, but this should push me in the right direction when it comes to the beginning of my design processes. As a designer, it is crucial to complete as many different processes as possible as it will give me a stronger idea as to what I want for a final garment(s) and what it should look like and this should reflect back from my research, experimentation and designs. Hence, I am looking forward to my group crit and seeing how anyone can suggest on how I can do better or even give me new, fresh ideas which I may have missed on my brief proposal.