As there was a strike yesterday, it meant that unfortunately we couldn't have our group tutorials this week. Luckily this afternoon Fiona ran our colour workshop, so it still meant that we were able to have tutorials if we wanted. Only four of us showed up to the work shop- the other three girls being in a different embroidery group to my own- which was disappointing, but it did mean that we were able to talk together as a smaller group, and to have one to one guidance for both our colour work and personal projects.
Talking through my colour workshop work proved positive. There is an obvious colour palette being shown, now I need to be more selective when pinning my images on the boards as there are some duplicated images in some case. Looking at the colours, they all seem very neutral, pastel colours with hints of gold, however looking closer into the images, hints of blues, dark purple and a copper coloured orange starting showing through in some of the photographs. We spoke about how I could add these said colours into my palette- I explained that I wasn't as keen with working with colour as I'd originally thought I was, but I really trust Fiona's advice and so through small details I feel that these colour will really work well.
We also spoke about experimenting with thread wraps, colour proportions, textures of yarns etc. All of which I can play around with on my boards. As well as colour, I need to look at where it is that my inspirations have come from, ie broaden knowledge and range of photographs. Ideas that we came up with included looking back at the details of the MMU architecture, tiles (Fiona mentioned to look at the store, Jigsaw), rugs for textures etc.
My work
Fiona commented that I had had an obvious change of outlook on my work, and shown real progress this week, happy with the amount of work that I had been able to produce over the past few days and was happy to see that I was happier in myself, which really did make me feel like I'd achieved something this week.
In regards to my colour boards and portfolio of work for Dash and Miller, the colour palette was clear, and all linking. I had started to produce a small fabric moodboard of colours for research into Elie Saab, however on second glance it didn't fit very well so I shall need to rethink this later in the week.
With regards to sampling, Fiona commented that alike to french knots, the cornelly 121 has my stamp on it now, and alike to last unit's feedback, I need to experiment more before I fall into the same trap as last time and produce too many similar pieces. Our first thoughts were to go back to the normal Cornely machines, or possibly the Irish, as it will give me a similar stitch result to the ones that I treasure through hand stitch.
It has been such a lovely afternoon to just sit in a chilled environment, and just focus on colour. I felt really happy and excited with the past weeks work and I was glad that this came across when I was explaining my pieces. As well as talking about my own work, I was once again full of questions to ask Fiona about her own practice, and, to my excitement, am allowed to visit Fiona's studio when I am next in London. I am so grateful to be allowed such a fantastic opportunity.