Friday drawing 24/01

Todays drawing session was really inspirational. Our task was to construct a small maquette which reflected the data project and then to extend it to create an installation in the studio. Using the theme of trails, i "drew" with yarn. The session helped me to think differently about drawing and scale and how a simple line can become multi layered and dynamic. I then responded to my installation through a series of small sketches and so producing a variety of work on the same theme.

Motif development

This week i have been working on developing my visual research into motifs for screen printing. It was difficult at first to select and refine the drawings that would work best on screen. I had many ideas and starting points, of which some will translate better through hand painting techniques and digital designs. The guidance we were given was to think about the quality of line and the shapes in our work. I think i have produced a good range of motifs, some linear and some more solid, that will be versatile in the print room and allow me to create a variety of samples. 

I have also been introduced to illustrator (which i used to create the mushroom motif). Along with photoshop this will be a useful tool to create some interesting prints and will continue to explore its possibilities throughout the project. 

Gathering "data"

I decided to approach the brief of collecting data in quite a broad manner. I began to look at tracks and trails; information left behind or produced by nature. This idea came about following a group discussion on the 100m line drawing, which made me think of a 100m running track. The range of visual data i have collected so far includes snail trails, train tracks, airplane trails, tree trunk rings, shark egg cases and sweet wrappers.

In the last unit (origins) i found working with a range of media and in a more experimental way is the most successful way for me to draw. I have been mark making, using inks, cutwork and mono printing to capture different qualities in my visual sources.