As the sampling unit began we were given a list of contrasting opposites, from which I chose fragile: robust. The reason behind this decision was to allow me to be given the opportunity to work with an interesting contrast of materials, it also allowed me to explore my use of materials, a task I found very exciting. I chose machine embroidery as I was fascinated by the range of endless opportunities that it offered as well as all the exciting new techniques on offer, giving me useful skills to further my practice. Although I initially intended to focus equally on both opposites at time I found myself only concentrating on the fragile aspects and therefore neglecting the robust ones, later proving to be a disadvantage to me as I found myself struggling when it came to the time limit of the project. Perhaps if I were to start the project again I would take care to focus on both.
Through carrying out primary research using photography and drawing I began explored the fragile and robust elements of the world in which we live, leading to collecting a body of research which allowed me to generate a body of samples. With the project having a strong focus on colour creating a colour palette suddenly became very important, and it was through some close up photographs of colourful butterflies form an installation piece by Damien Hirst that I created a vibrant colour palette. As with any other project my sketchbook became a vital tool, as it was the place where I was able to create my drawings, colour palettes and samples. It was also how I showed my visual ideas and development and where I was allowed to organise my though process.
For this project I gave a lot more though to the process of how I would present my work, especially when it came to thinking about how I would present my samples and by doing so would I able to show them at their best? I began to consider that maybe the presentation of my samples could become so important that to a point it would become part of the actual sample. For example by creating such a fragile piece made form just threads using dissoluble fabric I would be left with a piece which had lost most of its original shape, then I would need to present it in such a way that it regained its lost structure, such as nailing it to a surface using rusty nails which therefore brought the robust aspect into the piece, leading to me later questioning how the piece would appear if I was to change its presentation.
Having brought this part of the brief to a close I have been given thought to how I might continue into the next part. As I would like to continue to work with the same body of work I would like to possibly introduce new words into the project , hopefully giving the project more concept and a new lease of life to the project.
