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Title of Exhibit Proposal:

Hidden Wishes (Ref #196)

Date:
26-10-2006 10:26:39
Status:
Accepted with revisions
Rating:
6
Details:
The theme behind my work abstractly resonates how people voice their dreams and requests through talisman, wind horses and votives. Culturally there are many ways of demonstrating ?wishes?, but I will show a personal form, encapsulating thoughts of identity and unfulfilled dreams. Since these are often highly personal, we keep them to ourselves, seldom admitting hopes and fears of the future. Through using layers of silver and cloth I hope to suggest some of my own desires regarding family, partnership and career hidden beneath the surface.

Shibori, is a traditional Japanese dye technique, which resists areas of cloth by binding, stitching, wrapping and clamping prior to dyeing. After dyeing the cloth is unwrapped and a unique pattern is revealed, often some of the tell tale manipulation marks still in evidence. This process of mark making frequently contorts the textile into extraordinary forms, many of which have merit beyond their intended pattern.

My current practice combines Shibori with electroforming; essentially using silver in place of dye, to create pattern and form. Some areas of the work are transformed into solid silver, while others are partially electroformed exposing areas of the original textile beneath. Mark making and form are created through stitch, weave and Shibori ?trapped? under silver.

I am currently doing a PhD examining the potential of electroforming onto textiles as a new medium for artists, craftsmen and designers. Possible applications for this medium include medicine, smart textiles and nanotechnology, product, jewellery and fashion design.

I visualize these as a series of 5 - 7 wall pieces approximately 40 x 70cm. Framed wall pieces will contain areas of natural dye Shibori, silver electroforming, stitch, weave and appliqué.


The overall work would appear restful, contemplative and calm. Predominant colours would be deep inky blues, pale ?dry? biscuit, sandy whites and fine silver with a variety of oxidized, brushed and polished finishes.


Images: (Click on the image to view it full size in a new browser window)



Reviewer Comments:

Review #1 : Left on 30-10-2006 16:13:47 #
Need the images to fully consider the work.
Review #2 : Left on 10-11-2006 20:09:06 #
6

This work appears extremely interesting and worthy of exhibiting. Just two issues. First, could the nature of the research inquiry (the PhD investigation) be more fully elaborated in terms of questions, objectives and methods. Second, can we have more and larger images.
Review #3 : Left on 14-11-2006 18:00:51 #
It would be useful to have greater insight into the relationship between the craft process of the researcher and the potential applications of the techniques under investigation - how can a personal approach to developing innovative textiles be developed for applications in medicine, smart materials etc and to what extent is this of interest to the craftsperson/researcher?
6