Memories (Chosen theme 1)

The below design has been made in the form of a brooch to provide memory. 

Once pinned into place, the brooch is effectively turned on. The segments of wire holding particles react to the current surroundings by storing the scent in which you are surrounded within, in the metal tube. At any time once activated, the scent can be released.

Conceptual Thinking

These are a few images from a site I found - CosmicWonder.com. 

Initiated by artist Yukinori Maeda, they are a multi-media conceptual art project. 'Besides functioning as a gallery space for art and concerts, it is a shelter from the daily march of time, where visitors can share the experience along with the flow of sounds in the universe'. 

Each project consists of thought provoking conceptual idea's and notions towards the environment, the human being and technology (with the use of light repeated). The descriptions of each project I've found to be  extremely inspirational, both in the use of language and imagination to think more conceptually.  

Above - ''Staring at the light and, seeing it reflected, we suddenly realize the existence of the light within us".

The first work in a series, ''Eclipse Weeping Rock'', is about the scene which drew the world of the light reflects dew keep dripping following the edge of the rock. (This was presented as a performance called ''for Eclipse Water'' in Paris, February 2006)

Above - 'Light Garden is an installation of two suspended disks composed of naturally dyed cotton and hand-made patchwork.These mandalas can be seen as portraits of light.While reflecting the eternal outward rippling of its waves, it is through their inward resonances that the universe is cast within us'

'COSMIC WONDER Light Source, launched in 2007, is our fashion project.
We study various aspects of light and weave these ideas into the clothing.
Wearing light, one creates an environmental effect, shifting the balance of everyday occurences. 
Sharing the light's warmth, the brightness of life opens up to the universe.'

Moodboard / Colour Palette's

Below are 4 completed mood boards to add to the final book to represent the fashion element of each theme, using a mixture of my own photographic images and sourced. Each one has been inspired from either an aspect from current trends (such as sheer fabrics / block colour), and inspiration including colour palettes, mood, which have been taken from a variety of locations, including Prague, Hengistbury Head and Old Harry Rocks. 

I have also been aware of the accessory and its purpose which links with the individual trend and purposely made sure the board also has an aspect representing this.

I have created a titled to represent each board - shown within each caption.

Ambition - (She's a wild thing)

Inspiration taken from Prague zoo. The above image of giraffe's I took from outside the giraffe enclosure. The three different prints of the giraffes in a line inspired the theme to link with the 'ambition accessory'. As it incorporates the use of a growing plant and nature, I wanted to use colours linking with our natural environment and life forms within the photo shoot. The mood board has been titled 'She's a wild thing', which represents this well.

Balance - (Moment of Clarity)

Titled 'Moment of Clarity', linking with the natural objects collected from beach combing, and the notion surrounding balance, I wanted to create a colour palette that is serene and neutral. Also taking inspiration from current trends - sheer fabric, block colour and interesting headpieces.

Connection - 'Spanish Sahara'


Shimmering metallic surfaces, rich sophisticated reds and royal gold compliment each other to create a refined modern take on 80’s glamour. Gold plated copper wire, recycled plastic, foil, make up the 'connection bracelet', so I wanted to further explore the colours, textures and surfaces within the fashion. DIY wrapping of fabrics also add to the trend. Titled 'Spanish Sahara', I think represents the dessert browns, gold and reds well. 

Memories - 'Weather to Fly'

A mix of fabrics, and texture including plastics, panelled layering of dark and light colouring create this trend and are shown in an elegant and serene manor. Inspiration was taken from the colours at Old Harry Rocks with the contrast of whites, black and egg shell. Titled 'Weather to Fly', represents the sheer floating fabric in the wind.

Time Plan

March

Week 1/2

- Draw designs of accessories for 4 chosen stories
- Make
- Continue sourcing inspirational imagery for book / Photography of my own
- Place into possible locations in In Design template
- Email interview questions to Anya / Peclers

Week 3

- Build range of 4 outfits (1 for each story), including props / accessories
- Collect cuttings of inspirational backgrounds / lighting techniques / poses

Week 4

- Photoshoot
- Edit

April

Week 1 / 3

- Fashion illustrations using illustrator (2 x for each story)
- Edit drawn made accessories within illustrator
- Write introductions (5, including into to book)

Week 4

- Edit and finalize
- Upload to Blurb to be printed

More concepts..

• The idea a wearable plant has the ability to grow as our ambitions and goals are achieved.
• Jellyfish move within currents and swim with rhythmical currents - The concept jellyfish move in tune and react with our senses...

Inspirational Imagery (Concepts to work from)

Future Predictions

Balance

Dream

Balance

Connection

Aspiration / Goals

PSFK » Kinetica Art Fair: The Evolution Of Body, Brain, Mind And Consciousness

Below are two articles from PSFK.com on the possible theories for the future within design and technology and examples of interesting work that explores senses, craft, science and technology within a recent art fair titled 'The Evolution of Body, Brain, Mind and Consciousness. I would have attended the fair but unfortunately didn't realize this was on as it would have been really beneficially to include within my research.

PSFK » Kinetica Art Fair: The Evolution Of Body, Brain, Mind And Consciousness

PSFK » The Future of Our Senses, More and Better

PSFK » The Future of Our Senses, More and Better

A few examples to work from..

• Wrist / hand accessory which reacts to hand gestures / universal signals which link to your status update through social networking sites
• An accessory that monitors heart rate / speech pattern when in a potentially challenging situation - e.g giving a speech / job interview 
• Necklace involving solar energy light / wearable windmill which generates electricity from environmental elements from a significant place within the world
• Hand held accessory which monitors mood / emotion through a mobile of balancing objects. Bulb lights up when 'in balanced'.
• Accessory which records scent from a specific place / memory, which can be released through the touch of a button

Brainstorming subjects to design from

The main themes and idea's I have brainstormed ;

• Emotion / Behaviour - Fear / Motivation / Sympathy / Sadness / Anger / Anticipation / Embarrassment
• 5 Senses - Sight / Hearing / Taste / Touch / Smell
• Environmental Issues - Climate Change / Energy / Conservation / Pollution / Environmental health
• Social Networking - Communication /  Privacy / Control 
• Appearance / Beauty / Insecurities
• Health - Monitoring / Awareness / Daily needs
• Relationships - Family / Partners / Need / Intimacy / Connection 
• Memory - Specific place / Significance
• Aspirations / Goals 

Designing with purpose

Feedback from today's review I found positive. I feel now I have more idea's to develop the project further and create more of a sense and purpose behind the overall theme.
During my research within wearable technology I have come across a few designers such as Jayne Wallace and Sabine Seymour who explore the inherent connection (previous blog title) jewellery can have with the mind and body. As mentioned previously I find this concept really interesting, the way functional / every day objects can be transformed and integrated with digital technology to create an aesthetical piece of art / jewellery. However pushing the boundaries further, a piece of art that has a functional connection either with a place / time / sense - the potential digital jewellery can have.
I plan on continuing with the theme of contrasting materials however creating my own idea's, in terms of concept and purpose behind each design. I will begin my brainstorming idea's which create new ways of communicating emotions. Inspirational wording :

Connection
Inter-personal relationships
Intimacy
Functional aesthetics
Environmentally connected
Senses

Inspiration today

Easy to create and adapt headpieces..

Natural, warm colour palette

Developing ideas on paper

Designing a few other ideas for accessories on paper has been a good way to go. This will save time and I probably should have begun by doing this but was too eager with the making! I will make 4 more necklaces and another form of accessories, possibly a headpiece to include within the book..designs to follow.

Prototype 1/2

Using LED light, lollipop stick, buttons, glue, black cord, cup cake case, feather, wooden stick, cello tape.

Sea shell, light bulb, paper, bobbin, black cord

...First attempt using the objects collected. I had thought this is quite a risk having not attempted a great deal of jewellery making in the past, especially trying to incorporate an aspect of technology and light. With the variety of objects scattered all around me I found it fairly easy and not too time consuming, however I am aware this is something I could spend many hours doing! Luckily using the LED sensor lights I found at the Market Gallery, I was able to involve an aspect of light which was my main aim. Using the battery operated LED light, with the paper case on top, the light is clear in a subtle way. 

This was a test run, and I will continue to experiment. I want to make sure this is something that does not take up a huge amount of time however, as there are many aspect to the project I would like to incorporate that I do not want to abandon. The final outcomes of the completed accessories I will photograph to include within the trend book and use as accessories for a possible photo shoot.

Collection of found natural / washed up objects from Hengistbury Head.

Objects include - shells, feathers, plastic, bottle tops, rope, driftwood, glass bottle, spade, sea weed pops.

Things collected from my spare room! Also The Market Gallery (an Aladdin's cave of craft materials located in Poole)

Items include - LED sensor lights, rear view mirrors, wooden sticks, lollipop sticks, feathers, buttons, cup cake cases, bobbins, sewing machine accessories, copper wire, black cord, light bulb, cotton thread.