Day 13

After being swamped with so many ideas for my second embroidery design, I decided to go crazy and do all of the colours and not be restricted by a pattern. So I took to photoshop once again and did a quick scribble.

Upon showing Rajat my quick sketch, he suggested a technique that may be suited to the loose style. He requested that the artisan show me, and he produced the sample below. 

Now having kind of clear idea of what I want to do, I tried to figure out a rough colour palette. 

Despite my colour palette hardly representing a colour palette, it really helped me to experiment with gradation and to select the hues of each colour. Once I finalised this, I was ready to stretch my fabric on the loom! Unlike all my other designs, I decided to use a silk organza to create a more delicate aesthetic. I also intended to create the illusion of depth using the fabrics transparency as a foundation, the thick thread work as the first layer and the loose thread work above as a second layer. 

I found it especially difficult to communicate that all the thread work needed to be loose, sparse and uneven. Despite drawing the design onto the organza, I had only intended this drawing to be a rough guide rather than a shape that needed to be filled. It was only after Rajat returned that he was able to successfully communicate to the artisan my design intention. Despite this obstacle, my design really benefited from the artisans interpretation as his technique really brought another element to the table, or should I say loom. I had intended for the short needle to be used, but the artisan assured me with gentle head bops that the long needle would be neater and quicker. He was right!

As the artwork slowly came together, the need for a different material became more  and more obvious. I really didn't want to detract from the intricate thread work so I settled on  lifting the piece with matte seed beads. I worked closely with my artisan, experimenting with short/long needle and different techniques, to finally settle on technique shown below. It is a simple single threaded loose stitch using the short needle. This means that the bead is free to move about the yarn. This further creates another layer to the depth of the artwork. This same technique was repeated using white seed beads along the white thread work. 

Once all the thread work was complete, it still appeared incomplete. There was too much of a contrast between the vibrancy of the thread work and the simplicity of the white organza. So I experimented with this really, twisted irregular yarn one of the other students had purchased in Old Delhi. I played with angles and balance but it was still looking really forced. So I thought the simplest way to get a natural looking hanging effect would be to tilt the loom vertically and pin the thread onto the fabric. After much guidance from the other students I was finally happy with the placement of the threads. These threads were then sewn into place using a white nylon thread. 

Overall, I am really happy with the outcome of this design. I think it was the most enjoyable to produce as my artisan and I were collaborating and exploring all the way through, rather planning the design to a T. 

Day 10

Rajat suggested I use the indigo dye sample that failed, as an element rather than a textile. I then took to the loom and started to experiment. This way of working without a pattern is very different to how we worked last week with Ashok. Despite really enjoying last week, I much prefer working with materials and designing this way, rather than planning all elements prior to starting. 

I was really inspired by the manipulated fabric and very easily developed the design from this. To create an organic dropping shape with the loose yarns, the loom was tilted upright, and the yarns were pinned. These loose yarns were then couched using a single thread. This was quite difficult to explain to my artisan as he didn't really understand the yarns were meant to create the illusion that the indigo element were decaying. The seed beads were then added to develop another texture.

In terms of design development, my design took a radical turn from my initial design plan. I have tried to keep a super open mind to allow for my ideas to grow and progress without any hesitation. So I am going for it with this design, and really allowing for complete experimentation and zero planning! wohooo. 

Day 9: Contemporary begins

After a fantastic traditional week with Ashok, I am super excited for a week of contemporary designing. Donna suggested that we may use the same designs from first week and apply different techniques to achieve a completely different aesthetic. Although I do like this idea, I would much prefer to maybe explore more abstract silhouettes. 

To begin this weeks designing, we were given the opportunity to dye some of our fabrics. Having never dyed fabric before, I was so excited. Following Maddy's notes from a textile elective last semester as a guide, I was able to do a couple different samples to be dyed. 

Using the above techniques I wanted to achieve a textile with a linear pattern. Inspired by topographic maps, I wanted to then create a multiple layered abstract pattern using thread work that would suggest landforms, as shown below. 

Shown below is a reference to what my dyed fabric will hopefully turn out like! 

Although this above sample must have been created using more conventional shibori techniques (wrapping around pole), due to a lack of resources I needed to be much more creative. So I went in search for potential materials around the house. Donna suggested bobby pins to be used as a clamp. I created 5 samples just in case they didn't turn out as accepted. Under the impression my samples would return slightly resembling the above reference, I again turned to photoshop to experiment. 

Just incase my tie dye experiments don't turn out, I purchased a beautiful silk scarf that mimics this rippled effect. Again I trialled this design on photoshop. 

When our dyed samples returned, any samples with materials except for thread were not dyed. This meant that I only had 2 samples that were dyed. Neither proved to be a success.  I think this may have been because I did not tie the samples tight enough, as well as the fabric being quite a heavy-weight. Despite the failure, Rajat suggested to still try to use and experiment with the indigo sample.

Goat appreciation post

First week is over

Working with the Ashok and his very talented traditional artisans was a really eye opening experience. I was exposed to a crazy myriad of techniques I never knew existed, and a different way of thinking. When designing my textiles I had not considered the techniques nor the materials I was going to use. After working with Ashok, I have understood the importance of designing with materials and techniques to create a cohesive textile. The artisans have inspired me! I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to work with them! #ASHOKDREAMTEAM

Personal Project

For my first personal project, I decided to trial a technique I may use for my next design. What started out to be a mini project turned out to be quite a big challenge as I got a bit carried away. My personal project transformed into a final design! To develop this technique I used gold leather beads, matte beige beads and a delicate silk featuring delicately printed lines. I developed an uneven surface by altering the number of sequin stacked and filled in spaces with meandering beads. Throughout its development I encountered a couple problems, including securing a high stack of sequin well. To do this I used double thread and threaded  them twice if necessary. 

I am really happy with the final design as I think it perfectly represents both the discontinuity and continuity of natural landforms. Discontinuity through the irregular texture and continuity through use of the same technique and material. Can't wait to play with the placement of this on a garment. 

Day 7

My designs thus far have been quite minimal and have not really taken advantage of the incredible skills of the artisans. Therefore in the development of my third design, I really want to include enclosed spaces where techniques can be used to fill an area. I have decided to take to photoshop to trial some designs/colours to really allow myself to play with different aesthetics. 

After a couple quick sketches I have decided to leave the first design shown above to next weeks contemporary workshop. The second design was inspired directly from an element on my mood board that was created by layering multiple maps on top of each other on photoshop. 

In terms of colour, my colour palette did not particularly extend to this design as they work well as contrasting colours rather than harmonious colours. Therefore on photoshop I played with colour quite a bit. 

Using photoshop has enabled me to really play with negative space and colour choice is a super quick way. Following the advice of Ashok, I have decided to go ahead with the monchrome colour palette to leave room for more elaborate techniques without detracting from the simplicity of the design. As Ashok has announced so many times today, it is a "fancy" design. 

In an attempt to create an uneven surface I requested to have sections of my design raised. To achieve this look, the artisans covered the certain sections with a thick cotton padding thread. In order to communicate which sections I wanted padded, I used my laptop as a reference and marked the sections with a large red blob. I have found that having photo references is integral in overcoming the language barrier. 

In regards to the techniques, I asked Ashok for some advice and he suggested to use french knots, satin stitch and a cross stitch. We disagreed as to where these techniques should be placed, although in the end we were both happy with the decision. I found again having this collaboration is so important in developing a design that demonstrates cohesion in relation to technique and shape. I will attempt to complete this design myself when I get home! 

 

Day 6

Today the artisans worked on my second design. Unlike my first design, I really want to apply techniques that truly convey the feeling of my design. Therefore more delicate techniques will be used to create a more delicate vibe. 

Working with Ashok closely, we were able to develop the design as it was being produced. Although this was really helpful, it did mean the original desire aesthetic of the design was slowly lost. This is noted in the "river" motif created using seed beads and outlined in two yarns of blue thread with one yarn of shiny metallic thread. This helped create a water like effect. Although I thought this was a really effective use of the metallic, it did not particularly align with the matte aesthetic of the rest of the work. 

In terms of altering the design through development, the sequin cut off square motifs are a perfect example. I had not planned to use the white cut offs in this design and had planned to use them in another design. Although upon completing my intended design, it did look incomplete and lacking something. After a little play around, I decided to include the cut offs. Ashok then suggested to add the beige matte beads. This collaborative process was such an awesome experience as we will unlikely be able to work so closely with an incredibly experienced artist as Ashok. 

Regarding the language barrier, although challenging, it did not limit the designs development at all. I found having really detailed and accurate drawings meant that it was a lot easier to convey meaning. 

Today has taught me that even if you are very prepared and organised with a design, this does not mean that you can not further develop the design during the production process. An open mind can really allow your design to progress and better.  

Day 5

Today the Artisans arrived to the guest house to begin. They brought with them the looms from Vrindavan and to our content they completed our samples from yesterday. As Meredith has announced so many times today. The Artisans Are Wizards. 

I am fairly happy with my sample, despite a few elements not being translated as I had intended. Corrections and comments:

- Ashok noted that the yellow thread should be a tone darker 

- The yellow chain stitches should only be 2 threads to create a much more delicate look

- The turquoise raised centre satin stitch has not followed the same shape as drawn. The lines were intended to be irregular rather than so smooth.

- The burgundy squares were only to be outlined

- The circular shapes surrounding the turquoise centre were intended to be with the beige thread rather than yellow

Overall, the delicacy of the map was lost through the heaviness of lines and poor colour choice. This may have been corrected I had worked directly with the artisan on the design, rather than having to leave instructions with the artisan to complete later.  

Due to a limitation of time, I was only able to begin my work with my artisan at 5. This allowed me to really refine my designs for this afternoon as well as next week. Working with the artisan really allowed me to develop my designs and make alterations. Due to the language barrier, I tried to draw really explicit illustrations that explained both colour and material. To communicate what technique, I showed a photo of the technique on an existing work. Through the process, I made changes to the design and worked closely with Ashok to produce something technically cohesive. Ashok's literal interpretation of my "map" meant that he often wanted to use techniques that reflected the object literally (for e.g. the rivers and roads). I think it will be really interesting to see the outcome through this collaboration of different ways of thinking. 

I can't wait to see the final outcome. 

Initial design ideas

Day 4

Today we arrived in Vrindavan, one of the oldest villages in India. The sacred town was beautiful, as was it filled with beautiful people. We were fortunate enough to arrive with enough time to go on a boat ride along the Yamuna river. 

What felt like a late afternoon, we finally arrived at Ashok's studio at 9am. He inspired us with intricate pieces of thread work and beading. Each more ridiculously amazing than the next. I was able to get one design pinned and outlined as well as my fabric mounted onto the loom. The transfer of designs onto fabric is extremely time efficient and detailed. After the design is pinned onto tracing paper, it is placed onto the fabric and washed with a kerosene chalk concoction. This leaves a white outline on the fabric. Too easy. 

In terms of techniques, it was a little bit frightening directing my artisan when I had only really started to think about how I wanted my sample to look. I went ahead with:

- Padded satin stitch to create a raised centre

- Simple chain stitch

- French knots

This day left me with an overwhelming amount of inspiration and an eagerness to begin creating. I took photos of all the techniques I liked and may use and revised them on return to the guest house. This has allowed me to further develop my designs and really start thinking about how I will use specific techniques to translate my design. 

Ashok's Studio

Day 3

Today we travelled to Agra to experience the incredible Taj Mahal. Apart from the excruciating heat and temporarily broken down bus, the day was phenomenal to say the least. 

Tomorrow we shall meet with the artisans so designs must be refined and popped on tracing paper tonight.

And photos of people taking photos.