a burst of colour, a thirst for creation

In the beginning of this week, we were briefed about a new project. Niki Jones talked to us about her career, her brand and the project very clearly, so that we can set to work with no confuse,  and the talk even made our future clearer.

I liked Folk project, but it's challenging at the same time. My primary idea for this project is Mexican folk crafts. I found out that Mexican culture had been influenced by both Europe and America because of historic and geographic background. The fact enabled me to look at not only Mexico but also broader regions.

Mexican folk embroidery called Otomi

Mexican embroidered blouse

After having gathered enough amount of images, I selected a few images to draw from, then started drawing. Through drawing, I'm trying to understand what makes me interested in Mexican folk art. It means that the drawing is still a part of research, not a part of design. 

Drawings with oil pastels on black paper 

fun of ethnic stitches

—from right: Chinese knot, Turkmen stitch, Indian edging stitch and detached chain stitch

In terms of colour, I have got a collection of photos which I took this week and before. Speciality of Mexican folk art is its bold colour, so I selected photos which show great contrast of darkness and brightness. To get different kinds of texture, I combined every two photos—one organic and one artificial stuff. Next week is going to be busy—further colour research and more drawing.

On my way back home,  I saw Skypark windows reflecting the sky, and it made me realised that it's been 2 years since I started studying here. To be honest I'd never liked Skypark, but surprisingly now I'm feeling sorry to leave here after this term. 

week 1

The first week back in school was relaxing.

On Monday and Wednesday morning, we worked on craft and drawing activities in small groups. It seemed less suitable for our age, but I found that quite a few of materials provided by tutors were unfamiliar to me, so it was fun and inspiring to play with them.

At pechakucha on Friday, I found myself getting used to making presentation compared to the last year. I still have problems in every aspect—especially timing—but at least I could speak more confidently without giving an uncomfortable smile at all time.

stitch samples on paper

In this weekend, I visited GSA graduate degree show at lighthouse. There were many things to learn from master students' work—the work itself and how to present it to the public.
From one of portfolios, I knew an interesting embroidery artist. The artist is called Jazmin Berakha who works in Buenos Aires. She uses a lot of cheerful colours, and I liked the different look of colours which changes depending on background colours.

few more samples

There are couture inspired embroidery and beading samples. 

another sample

This is my very first ribbon embroidery. 

It doesn't look really good, but yes, everyone has a first time so I don't care very much.

Recently I heard from other interns that my boss has learned embroidery at Maison Lesage where the finest and most beautiful embroideries are.   oh   my   god

sample making

is very fun so far :)

First two weeks was kind of tense but now I'm loving life here bit by bit.

Harrods experience

Today, I worked half a day in morning, then went to Harrods—one of the most luxury department stores in the world—with a couple of friends after lunch. It's a part of a project which we're doing at the moment, and the aim of visiting Harrods was looking at well-made and hand-stitched dresses so that we could get any ideas for our own design and samples of embroidery.
I'd never been to Harrods before—I even didn't know where it was—and today I found out that it was absolutely full of beautiful stuff and of course everything is expensive, so I was embarrassed when one of the salesladies asked me ''Are you alright ma'am?''. On the other hand, looking around the super expensive clothes was very good experience actually, especially Dolce and Gabbana, Valentino and Prada was amazing as you can imagine, so I can say it was well worth visiting that kind of department store for your research, not for spending 4months flat rent or more.
Obviously my permanent interest is in embroidery, but I'd hardly ever fancy or tried sequin beading and ribbon embroidery before although I did know them. And now, I fell in love with them. ahhhh.

another feeling in another life

I remember that my tutor told us 'Inspiration is everywhere so don't miss it.' when we'd been to London —it was the first time for me to visit London by the way—last January. Now it's the third time coming down to London and feel a bit familiar with the city but still surely here is full of inspiration.

I have done a couple of sequin embroideries today 

got a piece of lace at John Lewis

this nice and delicate lace was discounted and only £5 p/m which made me spend extra money on fabric shopping

for her

I wish she has a good summer in miles northern from here :) 

LONDOOOOOON

I've been in london from this Tuesday, and today I found out that there's no london-like photos in my camera. BUUUUUT still very exciting being here!

rust

I found rust isn't just dirty stuff but sometimes interesting and beautiful..

I'm shooting photos of it as a part of the summer project or future projects :) looking forward to drawing and collaging them