Introduction Module 6

A time to sift through and select a host of my photos that reflect the key themes for Creative Conservation in water and sky images.  Concentrating on colour combinations and textural effects that can be seen in the whole picture and within the detail.

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Having selected and rejected a host of  personal photos I then explored the work of four artist, looking first at Turner, the images 2 and 3 and Monet below, suggested by Sian. The contrasting images of reflection achieved offer interesting contrasts of style, coupled with the variation of placing of horizons.  The energy that is achieved in the use of colour whether bright or subdued is something to consider

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 Two modern artist that came to my mind, the photographer Ansel Adams;  http://www.anseladams.com/ and  Andy Goldsworthy;  http://www.morningearth.org/ARTISTNATURALISTS/AN_Goldsworthy.html

In looking into Ansel Adams work I found the quote, 'There are always two people in every picture, the photographer and the viewer'. A thought to keep in mind while working through ideas, how to convey and what you want to convey. While writing the blog I also became aware of a modern photographer Mark Robert Davey, and was interested to find his portfolio featured people within the landscape... While studying the pictures I kept in mind that the end project from these studies was to be a wall hanging that addressed the issues of conservation; would I select an issue on pollution, climate change, nature or another concern? 
As images swirled around  suddenly my photo of the sunset over the Isle of Skye bought the phrase Ring of Bright Water  into mind - the story of Gavin Maxwell and his rescue of an otter had actual taken place beside where you now see the Skye Bridge. But then a strong feeling emerged, a more recent sailing adventure on the Caledonian Canal, with the image showing Mike in a moment which made me think of the quote, 'some times I sits and thinks sometimes I just sits!!'  Perhaps a theme of conservation involving peoples reaction and participation...But no decision needed at this time, keep the mind open to even more ideas... 
We were asked to keep in mind that the size of the piece should be A2 to A1 and to consider where we would like to display the item if not in our own home, the gauntlet had been thrown down by Sian now to the first steps on the journey!

New Module

At the beginning of each module I change the header photo.  The picture was taken in Loch Corusk when I was touring the Western Isles.  This is where Turner painted his inspiring series.  It was a glorious day and memorable experience as had been the day that was shown in this picture of Meness Beach that was used for Module 5

Admin Module 5

 Administration Module 5
STORAGE AND HEALTH AND SAFETY ISSUES DISTANT STITCH Module 1, 2 , 3, 4 and 5 ( new additions red for Module 5)

As the course is taking place in my home the following three criteria have influenced the following decisions regarding storage and health and safety issues:

• My own convenience and safety
• The convenience and safety of my family, and friends who may visit
• The well being of the environment in which I live – a remote rural location where we have a private water supply and septic tank.  I endeavour to recycle paper, fabrics  and am know for collecting ‘thrums’- waste threads in Scotland - from not only my own work but our monthly sewing groupies inevitable come armed with bags of their thrums for me. In trying to maintain a low carbon footprint car use is considered carefully and as craft suppliers are a sixty mile drive away I do use the internet! But again I try to look to my collection first before pressing the order button!

 STORAGE

I maintain two work areas:

• a wet area within the garage, where there is easy access to water
• a dry area in an upstairs study where there is access to a computer/printer and sewing machine, threads, fabric, books and sketch pads/pencils. My ironing area is in another part of the house

As an excuse for my hoarding tendencies I need to have a variety of storage options.

Wet Area

With grateful thanks to Mike who not only allowed me a space within ‘his domain’ the garage, but also built the bench and shelves and cut various boards and acrylic panes I have:

• a bench,  150 x 70 x 70cms
• stool
• two shelves

A series of three plastic containers for paints/printing inks, fabric medium and stamp/mould making and adhesive materials allows easy, visible access.

Rollers are hung on wall, brushes are kept in containers and cutting tools are kept in original boxes.

A plastic sheet is used to cover work surface- particularly useful when Mike is having a wood working day or when I have a printing/painting day

Apron and shirt are hung for easy access

When cleaning paper making equipment ensure plug holes have a filter system over the top in order that stray pulp does not block sink.

To ensure there is no cross contamination of colours occurs when using containers that have dyed paper or fabric in them ensure that they are covered when not in use.

Dry Area

With great appreciation again to Mike for making me three mobile tables and a bookshelf I am able to expand and contract the area I take up relatively easily. 

Storage is in colour blocks as we use the area for living and like to keep it ‘attractive’:

• A series of glass cookie jars hold my threads, for sewing; separate Kilner jars hold more varied weight threads; old glass sweetie jars hold fabrics.
• A 4 ring binder sketch book to log my progress for upload onto blog with A5 rough note pads at my side for thoughts and ideas
• A4  plastic display folders hold Distant Stitch module chapter notes and templates made and not included in sketch/log book
• A3 plastic display folders hold papers and fabrics that have been printed for project

Ease of access on working samples

To ensure that materials for the project I am working on are easily accessible I have made and covered two cardboard trays:

·        one for threads being used on project

·        one for fabric that could be useful in the project

and specifically for Module 2 were lots of pieces of paper were used a plastic envelope for papers

·        a story board, serves as a billboard for each chapter . Key pieces are kept on it for reference and inspiration

     As I have progressed I have identified a need for flat storage of A3/2 pinboards on which I lay ideas flat and incorporate fabrics, threads and other items to 'play on' working through ideas as I go along. Thank you Mike for your carpentry skills!

    When starting work for the day read through work sheets of the current chapter, plus the following chapter to ensure you have all equipment and materials that will be needed close to hand, this not only saves time but allows you to follow thoughts that come to mind. It is worth considering what you will do if items are left over, e.g. dye – could other threads, fabrics or papers be used to add to your stock cupboard or use in later chapters of the Module.  I find it useful to have waste paper, fabric and threads to hand to experiment on before doing something with ‘treasured’ pieces.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

The key concerns that have arisen when undertaking Module One include:

Ensuring that I work in a space that is:

·        light, well aired

·        cables for any equipment are well concealed reducing any hazard when moving around the work area

·        all items to be used on the specific part of the project are close to hand

·        and, take regular breaks to help stop fatigue.

Dyes and colourings: 

My main colouring agents have been:

·        acrylic and water colour paints, pencils and inks.  Concerns on using an old set of inkjet printer refills made me research the product and Appendix A gives the advice that I followed.  As the containers had sharp ‘injection needles’ empty refills were disposed of at the local Doctors Surgery where they have a ‘sharps disposal’ facility.  Any other waste was disposed of away from the water system.  When using inks ensure that the tops are screwed on after each use in order to avoid spillage and contamination.

·        Dylon fabric dye has been used.  The warning that it is an irritant are heeded and gloves are warn when working with the dye.  The fact that it can be an irritant to eyes, might cause an allergic reaction and one should not breathe in the dust  makes one vigilant while and after using the dye.  As the hints include the fact that the dye may run after several washes I only use this dye on items that will not be washed thereby ensuring no contaminated water gets into the water system.  When mixing this dye I only make sufficient quantity for immediate thereby reducing storage issues or waste disposal. In instances where too much has been made and I have insufficient material to dye contacted Dylon who have informed me that it can be disposed of in our land drains.

·        Bleach is toxic and should be used with great care.  It can not only damage clothes but make an impact on the environment.  When used to lift colour from dyed fabric I placed a small amount on a china plate to ensure no waste remained.  It is advised that your wear gloves when using bleach and work in a well ventilated space.  While I do have a face mask I was able to open doors so did not use it in this instance. A little bleach goes a long way so decant into small containers. When using bleach to take off colour be aware that it takes a few moments to lift off colour so move along and don’t over do it!

As I need to replace my stocks I have looked into more user friendly items.

·        When using brusho powders sprinkle sparingly at first and build up colour depth gradually.

Adhesives:

·        Glue sticks, sellotape, double sided tapes and PVA  is easy to use and apart from ensuring it does not stick on work surfaces.  However, I have found that is best not to use PVA on typed paper and place in sketch book as it diffuses and turns some images green!!!

·        When working with papers I have used a spray temporary adhesive.  This is a highly flammable substance in a pressurised container and should be kept away from heat/flames or electrical equipment that are in operation.  It should be used in a well ventilated space and in short bursts without extended spraying.

Cutting implements:

·        Scissors – the work has alerted me to the fact that my scissors are not particularly sharp!!  I have found a  person who will sharpen them so hopefully not only will my cutting be easier but also more accurate.        

·        Knives - The main concern centred on my craft knife which was used on flat, stable surfaces with a cutting board underneath the item.  The protective cover was replace as soon as any cutting had been completed

·        Olfa Rotary cutter should be kept with black click cover on, do this between each cut, do not place on fabric or table without cover on when not in uses to ensure that it does not have sharp edge protruding.  This can cause injury. When using to cut into fabrics or papers it should be only used on stable surface and one should push away from the body. When handing to other people ensure cover is on.

·        Seam ripper – While seemingly innocuous this little implement is sharp and when used for cutting channels one is exerting pressure and the cutting edge can slip off line so one should be sure that they are treated with respect.

Sewing implements:

·        Sewing implements and accessories, again simple things like pins and needles are stock and trade in sewing but in the wrong position they can cause discomfort and wounds.  To minimise risk of needles and pins dropping into carpets or chairs I always have a pin/needle cushion to hand and tend to ‘count them out and count them back’ i.e. I use glass topped pins and only have the needles I need to hand.

·        When working with beads maintain them in a lipped container with velvet to help position them and avoided spillage on the floor.

·        Selected the relevant sewing needle for the task to ensure that you do not strain fabric or your hand to pull it through the fabric 

·        Sewing machine – to ensure smooth running of machine, particularly when using frequently or running thick thread, it is important to ensure that spool area is cleared of dust.  When sewing various layers or thickness of fabric loosing tension and using a slow speed seems to be good practice.  Ensure that needles are not blunt.

Module 5 Time Records
159 hours were worked over 75days making an average of 2.12 hours on days worked
Module 5 Supplier Cost Amount used Cost for module 5
Item
A4 Sketchbook W H Smith                         5.99
Beads/threads stock replacement cost 4.80
Fabric and dye stock replacement cost 12.00
Reference books Amazon                         12.00
Sub total stock for module 34.79
From previous purchases
Glue sticks   one third                                1.00
Double sided tape               3.99   two third 2.66
Cartridge paper display kept
Printing inks Cartridge save 15.0015%           5.00
Printing paper W H Smith                          1.25
Presentation folders A2
A3 Amazon                                3.25           1.75
Threads
Total Module 5 £46.45
Module 5 Reference and Publications

Reference book Sources of inspiration, Carolyn Genders A & C Black

The Art of Manipulating Fabric, Colette Wolff Krause

The Constance Howard Book of Stitches, Batsford

The Embroiderer’s Workbook, Jan Messant, Batsford

Creative Embroidery Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn, Batsford

Tucks & Textures Two, Jennie Rayment ,St Richards Press

Tucks textures and pleat3, Jennie Rayment, St Richards Press

Module 5 Authentication