My Process
My process varies depending on the medium I’m using; however, the beginning is always the same. I start by brainstorming then looking at definitions/thesaurus of words that appear. Eventually, I will take the top 3-5 ideas and do some rough sketching that will move me towards a project I would like to make. Then research and more detailed sketching leads to ordering any supplies I may need and getting my space ready. Explore my different techniques to see where I go from there.
Ideation
It all begins with an idea. It might come from a walk or reading or an overheard conversation but whatever it is, I will start brainstorming ideas and concepts from the original idea. This also involves research. This is a Google Map I used in my research for my Jacquard weaving - Home.
Once I’ve really honed in on a concept, I will start drawing and thinking of materials I will need. Rough sketches - really thumbnails of ideas - will become more complex detail drawings. Above is the final drawing I made for my necklace - Legacy.
Then it becomes really fun to dye any fabric you need, pick out beads, sequins, yarns or whatever objects you think you might use. The picture above shows my materials board and how I intend to use them in my Nebula. Through all of this, I remain open to changes because the materials always push me in new directions and the piece is always a surprise.
Beads and Embellishments
I love choosing the beads I’m going to use for any project. They come in so many different shapes, sizes, colors, finishes, and material that the possibilities are endless. I love color and texture and even though beads are usually smooth they can provide texture. Just look at my project, Brain Map!
Sometimes I want to adhere the beads to an object rather than string them - free hand or on a loom. Using a glue that is archival so it won’t yellow, one that dries clear and one that stays tacky long enough is the trick. After I glue the beads on, I sometimes spray the object with a clear shellac.
My boots, Walk Out of The Past, are a fine art piece and not a wearable object. If you wanted to wear them, you’d have to apply a resin to seal the beads and with the movement of a foot, I’m still not sure that beads wouldn’t pop off! A more malleable material than leather might work better! Small trials would be the best approach.
Weaving
Both of the projects shown above are woven on a Jacquard loom. This is a very large expensive loom that will no longer be available to me now that I’ve graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design. Very simply, in this process: I designed the layout in Photoshop and then used the computer software, Ned Graphics, to convert my drawing into a loom diagram. The computer then communicates with the software of the loom in lifting the harnesses at the appropriate time. The process of weaving on all the various types of looms - floor, table, vertical, Jacquard - are the same with a warp and weft and a weave pattern. I’m particularly interested in exploring my vertical loom and weaving some abstract tapestries.