WEEK 1: RESEARCH WEEK

13/02/2023-15/02/2023 - Beginning to plan part 3 project

What do you think were your strengths and weaknesses during part 2?

During Part 2 I experimented with a range of 2D and 3D mediums in creating my outcomes. I was especially interested in the creation of my own materials, something I investigated in the ‘Too Much’ project through the creation of my ‘Move to Zero’ trainer. I think in my work I tend to sway toward a graphical approach which definitely aligns with my personal style so it has been really challenging to move away from this and be more experimental within the first few projects. One thing I think would aid my creative process greatly in developing my drawing skills in part 3 to help visualise my thinking process which I often try to explain solely with words.

How have you begun your research into your Part 3 project?

I knew I wanted to involve psychology in my project, a subject I am extremely interested in. I began to look through ways in which psychology could be presented through textiles. First I thought the idea of exploring brain activity could be really interesting, some artists have been known to use brain scan results translated into pieces of art using technology such as knitting machines. I began to delve into this idea but right now it looks quite unrealistic because access to brain scans would involve having an EEG machine used which is very unlikely. I then came across an article by Professor George Stylios from Heriot-Watt University. In the article, he explains how there is a new concept nicknamed "Psychotextiles" which explores a study into emotional responses to a series of patterns and also whether materials that could shift patterns could produce a shift in mood also. (The study is shown in more detail on my research page) I find this concept particularly interesting, especially the professor's suggestion that we could essentially develop anti-depressant textiles and furnishings that shift your mood.

16/02/2023-18/02/2023 -

What was the main focus of your research?

Today I focused on researching a cosmetic company called 'The Unseen Beauty'. The brand explains "THE UNSEEN Beauty was built from a desire to create products that inspire people to see the world in a different way. Using materials science and first-of-a-kind innovation, we create radically different products – ones that look and perform better, bestow new benefits to the wearer and reveal a new side to their beauty.
Inspired by nature – we are driven by a curiosity to explore its depths and learn from its intelligence. We consider our impact on nature at every step, aiming to work with it, rather than against it, and seeking to reveal its beauty through the products we create."

I am planning on interviewing Lauren Bowker, the creator of The Unseen in the coming weeks.

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