Sunday 24 November 2013

A Thousand Paper Cranes - Week 8

We set up two areas with different textile processes to try out; mark making with gutta and silk dye, and painting with hot wax.

The designs the group developed were inspired by images of patterns and prints, Indian henna and rangoli designs. We made outlines and marks with different coloured gutta, observing how different hand pressures changes the flow of the gutta paste, considering our own ways of being delicate and precise.

“It’s tricky to keep my hand steady to make a smooth line.”

“I feel like I’m icing a cake.”




Whilst our gutta was drying, we applied hot wax with different brushes to make marks onto cotton and silk. Here we made bigger strokes working with larger tools and with more zest.

“This was a technique I loved doing when I was at school.”




Once the wax was dry, we could crack and scrunch the fabric, then add blends of silk dyes within and amongst the wax. The unexpected resist effects gave us lots of pleasure and ideas for ways of continuing in our own development next week.




As we are nearing the end of the project, Rozi and I are reflecting on what the sessions have offered to the participants we have met so far. We hope during the sessions they could:

Think about something else.

Release some tension.

Be curious by responding inquisitively with materials and finding solutions.

Overcome a challenge despite difficulty such as very low energy levels or low self-esteem.

Be creative by exploring their own potential through a range of tools and materials.

Try out an independent idea or a new endeavour.

Think critically, by learning from unexpected surprises or  mistakes.

Take inspiration from others and fresh resources.

Be ambitious by raising their desire to fulfil a task and attend a whole session.

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