A SUMMING UP

I thought that it might be of interest to sum up what I have learned from doing this project.

Firstly, I think that the blog was a great idea and has kept us in touch with each other. It has been enlightening to see what others have done and how their thoughts have developed.

Secondly, it seems that most of us have been emancipated by not having to do something to go on the wall. In fact, it appears to have led to a surfeit of such work and a dearth of wall pieces. I am sure, however, that this will make it a more interesting exhibition.

On a personal level, my decision, after much procrastination, has resulted in exploring new avenues and having to come up with new solutions to problems. The research element has been exciting and educative. I know a great deal more about Uranus, swans and book arts as result! A further plus is that my free machine embroidery skills have improved dramatically. (Well, in my opinion!)

I am now infatuated with book arts, although I cannot get anywhere near the standard of MC. I have been amazed at the pieces created by artists in this field and the imagination of the work. Some of it is truly mind-boggling.

I have various follow-ups planned but I say this every time I do a JQ! I am planning to combine an appropriate block with a similar subject along the lines of 'Storm at Sea' with the swan.

Lastly, sincere thanks must go to the organisers for the work which they have put in. I hope that we can deliver an exhibition which does justice to their efforts.

stitching samplers

When we saw the handling collection boxes, the stitching samplers were quite interesting. I thought of them when I saw this at my sister's house recently.

maybe it will inspire an idea to follow as a take off on the sampler idea? This was something she bought  - made to look like an old sampler. I am sure this thought went through many a little girl's mind while she worked!

A slanted direction?

Sadly I missed all the fun with the loan boxes and haven't been back to the Museum since the early visits Sandy and I made when we met the Curator. So I am wondering what direction to go in? There is one image that is still sticking in my mind since all those months ago is the packaging for this bra ... I think I may start researching more in the underwear line. I seem to be on a theme since my last quilt included a pair of boxer shorts!

tools of the trade

I have been posting a few of these photos from the handling collection on my blog, trying to get people to work out what they are.

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4.

Leave a comment if you know...but not if you saw them on the day!

This has really got me thinking...

I have struggled to get started. I know I was held back by trying to do something about Slough, and not getting my head around the real title of the project 'Whatever floats your boat' inspired by something in the museum or the town. So go on, let the imagination go with the many images I have from my visit and also looking at the collection.

Well, one of the posters in the collection was an early advertisement for a Mars Bar. Now, I have actually never managed to eat a whole Mars Bar, but I have eaten my fair share of Twix and Snickers! This got me thinking about chocolate! And did you know that you can order personalised M&Ms? Now there is a something to follow up.
Merete

Well, I have a great deal of enthusiasm after Saturdays meeting and a new found freedom that comes with my youngest beginning full days at pre-school, so I have been able to start experimenting.

This is my 'studio' (aka the dining room table)....

After Saturday, I felt strongly that I wanted to create a 3D piece using a theme of layers reflecting the culture and image of Slough as a whole, and incorporating key influences in the area. No mean feat! I like a good challenge...

I began by thinking about the pre(mis?)conceptions of Slough and managed to felt a fairly bland 'map' of the town onto scrim - the green splashes being the key parkland, as seen on a printed map of the area. I also tried felting wire (which I have never attempted before) to create a network effect as an upper layer. I plan to texturize this layer with other embellishments and incorporate textured silk fibres into the layers to add depth and create more 3D feel to each layer itself. Further layers will hopefully incorporate more of the textures seen in the dolls corsetry, for instance.

I have also been experimenting with perspex and rusted objects to create the impression of a rather tough and almost industrial outer layer. For example, I loved the patina on this slightly rusting Horlicks tin, photographed at the meeting on Sat. . . .I haven't formulated the ideas for the layers below or how I will put it together yet - acrylic rods, akin to those used with tiered cakes, are likely to form the four points at which each corner will be supported but how I toughen it up so that it doesn't become floppy in the middle of each layer, well, suggestions welcome!!!

If it all sounds very organised, then I apologise for misleading you! As I am sure the infinitely more experienced of you already know too well, things can change and usually do.....as a relative newcomer, this is my biggest learning curve!

One thing I found very interesting is this web page, which details all the poetry found in various languages across the town, along with their translations (apologies if I am repeating a previous post) : www.slough.gov.uk/services/13997.aspx
Looking forward to hearing about all the other projects. . . . .

What can I create for the project? A reminder ...

This project is about Whatever floats your boat ... In other words, whatever takes your own individual fancy and takes you off on a journey of thought and creation. Which hopefully will be wildly different from the next person, and the next person, and the next ...

The work must be inspired by Slough, its environment, history, surroundings, people, and/or the artefacts in the collection of Slough Museum.

• You may use any contemporary textile technique, you do not need to use quilting or produce work that fits any definition of a quilt. For example you may use felt, embroidery, quilting or any other textile technique or combination of techniques you choose. You may include non-textile or mixed media elements.


• Artwork may be 3-d.

• Artwork may be any shape or orientation you choose.

• You may work large or small, or create a series of small pieces which form one artwork.

• You may like to create a piece which is to be displayed next to the object which inspired it in some way. However, before you do this, you must discuss your idea and your materials with the Curator of the Museum.

What I am excited about...

Thanks Jane!
It is good to hear that others are getting excited about the project with the Museum.
Here are a couple things I am thinking about...

The 2 doll corsets are in one of the handling cases we hope to borrow. The bit from a whale (can't remember what!) oh...mammoth tooth...kind of links, since whalebone was used for adult corsets and visually this artefact has that same line patterning happening to it.

Anyway, I have these photos on a cupboard door in my studio while I am thinking about them.

Blog NOW OPEN for contributors

Sandy has been educating me in the way of blogs ... and so I have now invited the participants of the project (or potential participants at least!) to be contributors. Please post pictures of your visits to Slough, your sketches, your experiments or ideas ... and we can all start collaborating and sparking inspiration off one another. If I've missed you off the invite list, do please let me know!