Pansies of all colours!

Just a little update on my summer project about Karl Blossfeldt, although this may be slightly off the subject because pansies are so pretty, I'm linking it through it still being based on the structure of plants...

I've worked with pansies in the past and love machine embroidering them so decided to do this after the bit of machine embroidery I did on a Karl Blossfeldt photograph (in a previous post). 

I've also used pansies out of the flower press to show the structural beauty of the flowers without it being a stylistic drawing or photograph. 

Paris sketchbook - Jason Brooks

I just want to take a moment to appreciate the new book I have just bought - Paris sketchbook by Jason Brooks (RRP £17.99). http://www.amazon.co.uk/Paris-Sketchbook-Jason-Brooks/dp/1780671059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1373710778&sr=8-1&keywords=Jason+brooks

The book is a compilation of drawings and collages he has done over a few trips to Paris and it is truly inspirational. Well, it is for me, but I already have a deep love for Paris after visiting a year ago. The book is split into collections of things; architecture, streets, cafes, fashion etc etc so flows impeccably. 

I am only half way through so far (because I want to go and take advantage of the beautiful weather at the moment instead) but I can't wait to continue reading it. It is inspiring for a designer to see what different techniques he uses to draw. For example, he used a label and drew from that, using it as a sign. 

Under the sea!

Not quite literally the sea, I wish - a nice holiday snorkelling would be much appreciated right now!

I have much cherished memories as a child at the Sea Life Centre. Seemingly, they are rose-tinted memories as revisiting was somewhat a disappointment - especially for £19.20! (and that was with a voucher!) It was much shorter than I remembered, however the Otters were super cute!

Despite that, the sea life can be used as an inspiration for design work. Some of the fish, sharks, etc have wonderful patterns on them, made even more beautiful by the colour that some of them carry. 

I tried to get some photographs but they move way too quickly! These are some of the decent ones I got... 

Thoughts about final projects - (early I know!)

Despite it being very early to be thinking about my final project as I am only just going into the second year at University, I have always had a rough idea of what I wanted to do, purely based on interests. 

After my visit to Paris, I completely fell in love with the place, so I have always wanted to do something Parisian, but I have always thought this might be a tad generic. But then being commercial is often good for selling. 

My second idea is architecture, grand architecture to be imparticular. But I feel I'd need to narrow that down a little, maybe only covering grand architecture in a certain area.

(I realise this is Paris as well, but it's the grandest architecture I think I've got a picture of)

Also, me and my mother are considering visiting Barcelona next year as we've always had an interest in Gaudi architecture. The lines involved are lovely and I love the colours involved. 

Another passion of mine is flowers, it was something I always used to draw as a child, and personally, what I think I'm best at drawing at. But they do say you always draw better when you love what you're drawing. However, floral patterns are something that are covered time and time again in textile design. It depends whether you can bring something new to the subject. 

My last idea which I've recently discovered, is ironwork. It sounds somewhat boring, but when you really look at gates (especially in places like London), there is some wonderful detail involved which would translate so well into design. 

Visiting New Designers Exhibition and London

At the end of June, I went to London, primarily for the New Designers exhibition which was fantastic, so much work, and yet all so different. Not two things were the same, one of the things that makes textile design so interesting. 

It gave me an opportunity to gather ideas about my graduate show. (it may be two years away, but judging by how fast the first year went...) I collected lots of business cards and found the most effective ones were the ones that have an image of the most effective designs on. 

I tried to take photographs but was stopped so sorry about that, however you can visit their site to see the work of the winners of awards: www.newdesigners.com

Me and my boyfriend stayed at the Royal Horseguards hotel which is definitely worth a visit, even if its just for the TV in the bathroom. This was the view from our hotel room, we were on the very top floor, in a turret on the corner. 

We also visited the ice bar, slightly expensive (£16) considering its only for entry and a small cocktail. However, the cocktail comes in a glass made entirely out of ice. You are also given a poncho type coat to protect you from the cold (although not entirely attractive). 

Below are some more photographs I took while there, from Westminster, Hyde Park (glorious in the sunshine - such a great atmosphere) and The Mall.