September 12, week 3
Prior to this class, each student identified 2-3 songs that they find meaningful. Use one of the song (or a collection of songs) as a prompt to create the final weaving design. Students’ objective is to create a visually striking weaving that is a result of an effort to capture and express the elements students find meaningful about their chosen songs (musical motif, historical context, emotions, memories, feelings the songs elicit etc). The goal is not for others to recognize the song or to understand the personal connection, but for the design to reflect an engagement with an idea. The song serves as a launching pad and an inspiration for the creation of the weaving. Do not get stuck on the idea that this is a literal translation of the song and that you can not veer away from the song if an idea that pops into your head calls you! The song is a PROMPT. What I care about is that you have a plan you are excited to execute. I care that you make a cohesive and intentional weaving. Your weaving will be an abstraction of a complex experience.
Requirements:
- The assignment is NOT to make cloth. The task is to create a standalone weaving piece that embraces the unique qualities of woven and manipulated yarn and exhibits the personal touch of the creator. It should be evident that the piece was intentionally crafted by hand. Do not attempt perfection but rather pursue intentionality, playfulness, and problem solving.
- The weaving must be 36 inches long and the width of the loom. Justification must be provided for any deviations from the requirements, as there must be a clear reason for doing so. Students are encouraged to have an opinion about what they are making.
- You must be excited to make this weaving.
- Attention to detail and intentionality in the weaving process is a must (such as the finish of the edges, loose yarn ends). The visual choices made should not be random, and if they are, they should work visually. A hanging method must be devised for the weaving. Some traditional options are dowel rods (hidden or exposed) and found wood branches.
IN CLASS DESIGN TIME
15 minutes
1. Reflect on how the meaningful song makes you feel and write down the emotions, memories, and thoughts it elicits. Be concise and use keywords, phrases, or symbols.
15 minutes
2. Jot down any shapes, colors, images, or patterns that come to mind when you think about the song. Consider the mood and tone of the song and how this can be reflected visually.
If feeling stuck, answer the following questions:
What associations do you have when imagining the song as an image?
Does the song feel hard or soft?
Does it have high or low contrast?
If one were to draw the song, what quality of line would be more appropriate: crispy or fuzzy, straight or curved, solid or dashed, thin or thick, soft or sharp etc.?
Does the song have texture?
What colors dominate? What colors are in the background?
Write down more terms that summarize what you find meaningful about the song. Be explicit in translating the song into terms that can be expressed visually. For example if the song makes you feel happy, go beyond that… What kinds of shapes, colors, textures express that for you? When do you feel happy?
20 minutes
4. Sketch initial, small thumbnail designs for potential weavings. Sketch fast and without judgement on printing paper as many ideas as you can. If you need to look up images online to help you sketch, do that. These sketches must be driven by what resonates the most from your writings from sections 1, 2 and 3.
20 minutes
5. Identify one idea from section 4 and expand it into 5 different versions by changing the scale of formal elements (ex. color scheme, line quality, proportions, placement within the rectangular format). Vary the elements in a playful manner. Sketch large, almost to scale on large brown paper.
6. Continue exploring ideas visually and expanding on variations for the rest of the class. Do not settle for the first combination of elements in a drawing. Raise your hand when you are ready for feedback.
Homework for September 17
1. Dyed yarn (dry, in ball format, with documented dye recipe when appropriate)
2. Pinterest
*your 2-5 weaving designs that you are most excited to work with
*10 inspirational images
*color scheme you wish to work with
Homework for September 19
Weave addition 10″ for a total of 26″. Watch at least 3 videos per category (Creating Shapes and Lace Techniques) in Weaving: Technical Resources and practice these weaving techniques. Try Pick Up Sticks. Weave shapes. Use the sample weaving to test out images and effects you wish to achieve in your final weaving. Sample weaving will be taken off the loom at the end of class on September 19. Loom must be re-warped for final weaving immediately. Final weavings are due October 10, beginning of class.