Print Collage.

This week I have been pushing my prints and experimenting with layout and texture. I was concerned in tutorial that I would not have enough variety in this collection of samples as the colour separations only make up two whole designs. However through discussion in tutorial it was realised that I could use the screens separately making up 12 different layers, that can be collaged together to create different compositions. This way I could experiment with designs that are busier and some that are more minimal.

 I've been working with a variety of textures, such as gloss binder that creates a varnish effect, aquaspand to create raised surfaces, flock for a soft surface and transparent foil to create a shiny, gloss surface. I've found these textures in combination with the matte pigment binder are working successfully, and make for interesting print designs. In particular the gloss and transparent foil work well to catch the eye and draw attention to the design, i've also found that the aquaspand works well, particularly on darker backgrounds creating higher contrast.
It was mentioned in tutorial that contrast is definitely something that should be pushed further, really experimenting with contrasting surfaces and colours, to allow the prints to stand out.

I've begun to research into a new collection theme, for a varied portfolio this collection needs to be something bold. It was discussed within feedback for the previous unit that perhaps the collection should have a more graphic feel, be more futuristic and completely different to the organic themed work that I previously created.
Visiting the Barbican recently I was inspired by the style of architecture, the shape and lines of the buildings, so I've used this as my starting point to collect imagery and boards to start off with.

Architectural photos taken from Pinterest

Print Preparation.

On receiving feedback from the Practice unit, I felt it important to get straight back into the workshops. As I am carrying on with the last collection from the Practice unit to create a selection of prints from, I already had all the visual research and drawing available for me to create some screen designs.
I decided the best way to represent the collage I've been creating within my drawings through print, would be by using colour separations. This would allow me to use different pigments and binders on each layer to achieve different textures and surfaces.

I have been working with dying my fabrics, as my previous two printed collections were mainly on white and cream, I felt it important to create a collection of samples that are printed onto coloured backgrounds. Experimenting with creating different shades of grey on silk georgette and medium habotai, I want this collection to be a lot lighter and softer with both colours and fabric choices.

I felt it important at this stage to be quite vigorous with my colour matching with the pigments, as I know through experimenting on photoshop and illustrator, how the colours work together and found if one shade was wrong, the whole palette was offset.
I tested my screens and pigments, I was happy with how the colours had turned out, and think they have come out fairly true to the original colour in my palette. The screens also all fitted together and I feel that the collage effect will be able to work well using the different layers, it will just be a case of experimenting and playing around with different surfaces and textures.

It was mentioned within previous tutorial sessions, about adding embroidery to some of the print samples to add another layer of collage. It was suggested I looked into getting inducted onto the 12 needle and the Irish machine. This week I got inducted onto both machines and had chance to create a couple of samples.
I originally preferred the Irish embroidery as it is more textural, however after comparing with the 12 needle machine, I feel perhaps the 12 needle would be more suited due to its precise nature, which I think is more in keeping with the cut out shapes I have used within my print designs.