There now seems to be a running joke as to how obsessed I am with french knots, to the point that I am known as the 'French-Knotting queen' with the girls in tutorial....oops. I can't help it, I am just SO inspired by the use of them in embellishment. I need to experiment a lot more this unit with different sizes, styles and materials so that I can get the most out of the technique, and work towards the learning outcomes.
During research when I was scrolling through pinterest I came across a collection by Givenchy, incorporating textured knots into dresses. The pieces are beautiful. The garment looks as though it has adapted the french knotting technique through beading and what appears to be cotton wool balls (though i'm sure that Givenchy is more sophisticated than cotton wool). The piece reminds me of reflective surfaces, alike to those found through baubles/ mirror images. I also like the white on white effect, which works with the palette of my choice.
I have been told that french knots on their own are becoming too repetitive in my work, so as a send off I have produced one last sample as a starting point, using the colours that I have been interested in through my library research. Their tactile quality and textured surface are stunning.
So, in our first tutorial Fiona recommended the 'Ashley Book of Knots' as a perfect starting point for me, 600 pages of knotting techniques, that is what I call inspirational to the max. My project is going to be centred around them. I am now needing to look through the knotting bible and begin to play around with the techniques and methods, and see where it will take me. I also need to have a look for some more artist influences, to see how knots have played a role in industry in the past years or fashion/ interiors.
