New Project Brief

BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA in DESIGN

1^st YEAR PROJECT BRIEF

PROJECT– Multi-Purpose Tool

SPECIALISM: TEXTILES

This project offers the opportunity to produce evidence towards the following units:

1 -  Drawing Development

2 -  Historical & Contextual Understanding

3 -  Materials, Techniques & Processes

4 -  Ideas & Concepts

5 -  Visual Communication

TIME: 2 Weeks

MATERIALS: Mixed Media

RESOURCES: sewing machines, printing press, and photocopier.

ASSIGNMENT OUTLINE:

Textile design is an ever growing and evolving area of art and design, with individuals involved in this field now implementing an impressive array of techniques and processes which not only serve to enhance and enrich their work, but when adopted by other artists and designers working in other disciplines, theirs too.

This project asks you to look at textile design from an entirely different perspective to that which you have possibly been previously accustomed.

By using a basic hand-tool as your starting point, you are required to produce a body of work, which represents your object in a number of different ways. You will, as part of the process, and by using a variety of techniques and materials, consider and tackle texture, mark-making, surface pattern, scale and form.

GUIDELINES

o   Having selected an appropriate hand-tool (– this should be an object which has a number of different working parts, textures, different materials in it’s construction, interesting negative shapes and strong structural elements); a mechanical hand whisk, hand drill or ‘lazy-fish’ corkscrew would all be good choices - you should begin by carefully examining and scrutinizing your object; looking at its basic construction and trying to understand exactly how it works and what it is used for.

o   In order to get a real feel for your object you should produce a range of studies in a sketchbook, initially in pencil, which are the product of some careful observation and strive to record the different surfaces and textures that your object might possess as effectively as possible. Try to use relevant pencil grades and mark making in this process – for example, plastic handles might be better tackled with a softer B pencil, whereas metal blades would be more realistically documented through harder F pencils. Vary your scale and vantage point continuously, this will allow you to produce a good range of outcomes and also help you to identify the best silhouettes and compositions for the technique work that comes later on. At this stage you should also look at a range of artists who are particularly well known for their use of drawing as a means of recording an object. In order to do this properly, you should include visual responses and coherent written analysis which considers their use of mark making technique, exploration of line and tone how successful these are and how you might adopt the same methods yourselves. Good people to look at include Jim Dine and Peter Randall Page.

o   Using your camera to record your object will also allow you to develop some interesting imagery which could be used within an IT capacity later on. Take long shots as well as close-ups, and consider including other things in your photographic compositions which may relate to your object as well. Printed text placed underneath or alongside your objects can also help to produce some unusual outcomes.

o   Once you are happy with your initial studies, start to introduce some more adventurous and unusual drawing implements/materials. Consider colour and some more abstract ways of recording what you see in front of you as well. Use what you see around you on the walls to inspire you. It will also be appropriate to ‘mix up’ form and texture and begin to develop patterns/surface decoration from the components seen in your object. At this stage, using techniques such as photocopying, collage and stitching may be helpful in your investigations. You will now also be introduced to a number of new processes and you should endeavour to include these in your experimental pieces. Again, record all outcomes in your sketchbooks together with examples of the work of others who use such techniques in their own work Use the same methods of documentation as previously mentioned.

o   Develop a number of printing ‘plates’ which may then be used to print and reproduce selected imagery/information from your object. Record all results in your sketchbooks. Continue to look at the work of others as part of your process.

MINIMUM SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS:

1 x sketchbook

REFERENCES:

Use the library and the internet in order to source this information – this will help to develop your individual research skills and vary the research material obtained. Lists of appropriate individuals may be given at certain points of the project to help you.