experimenting and ideas

So over the past weeks we have defined what we believe craft is. At the moment our studio is focusing on samples that involve craft techniques, experimenting with materials etc.

So there are three things I have been crazy about.
Knitting-which is what I am mainly exploring. I have been doing samples experimenting with wool, cutting up shreds of material, using fine thread, elastic, ribbon. cord etc.I went and bought circular knitting needles which is pretty cool to make pieces in the round, and last night after many hours I finally learnt how to do a cable knit sample (with the help of YOU-TUBE) Following this I look forward to learning macramé this week in studio, I think you can create a similar approach like knitting. I think why I am interested in these two techniques is that you can create different aesthetic through various techniques of stitching types, how thick the needles are, and especially through diverse materials. At the moment I have been looking how the gauges of knits how loosely you can get it so that the piece is like a cobweb. Very see-through, this could possibly be layered with other materials to create a different effect.

I have also been looking at how you can achieve bulk and sculptural elements using knits. I think my dad (being an architect) has had an influence on my design aesthetic. I like very sculptural things very bold and 3d. That has textural qualities to it.

I have been inspired by the work of Sandra Backland –her work is exhibited in the RMIT gallery down stairs.
Here are some photos all from her website http://www.sandrabacklund.com/
I love that she has experimented with such traditional techniques and manipulate these to produce a very contemporary outcome purely crafted with skill and passion. I can’t imagine how lone each garment would take. However I am willing to put in the hard yards to achieve something so powerful as this.

To further explore this idea of sculptural craft I have been looking into works of origami. I am going to explore if it is possible to create origami from knitted pieces…? Or adding 3d shapes to the basic of a garment or stuffing parts with wadding?

I would like to explore using the laser cutter (I have done the laser cutter training now I just have to put it into practice). I want to cut out leather and stretch fabrics with the laser to achieve a pattern that has been removed from leather mimicking that of a lace garment also having a similar effect of knitted or macramé.

http://s3.amazonaws.com/odyssey-production/media_items/4523/lilly_s_leaf_lookbook_front_page_huge.jpg

Craft?

CRAFT consists of experimentation and trialling of traditional handicraft techniques such as felting, embroidery, knitting etc. I believe it is important that we use these traditional techniques as a foundation for exploration, carrying them forward to a new level is the key to creating a contemporary design by either combining these techniques or altering the process.

CRAFT is a progression of ideas and techniques that has an element of skill involved. This skill has been practiced and has been completed with great passion. The process of CRAFT involves being produced by the “hands” whether it be 100% handmade or involve only some parts done by hands of the creator. Although the process can be time consuming, it is of superior quality.

I believe craft is aesthetically pleasing to the eye, attention to detail is evident in a “CRAFT product” whether it be an intricate colour or pattern, and or depicted through the texture and materials used.

CRAFT pieces are one of the kind, they are individual masterpieces that conjure up feelings and emotions that have a sentimental value due to the labour and uniqueness involved