Deadline Time

Currently living in the most UNTIDY room ever. And that is by my standards. Not good.

How is it almost Friday again???? The weeks seem to fly by when you are having fun have a deadline coming up.
On Sunday, 'Project Two: Container' is due, the deadline being 1pm. This is my first grown up deadline (ie it is not at all flexible), and I am half freaking out, and half overwhelmed by the ideas in my head.

This is one of my explanations (please leave criticism !) ...

In the design process of my container, I have struck upon and stuck with a narrative which relates my treasured object to the container.

 Before this narrative became apparent, I explored the idea of juxtaposition of material. For example I looked at the possible use of a natural wool to oppose the plastic and metal of my object. In relation to this I investigated and experimented with different methods of working with this material. Knotting and knitting were my first ideas; taking inspiration from different sources. The creation of a knotted fabric was prompted by thinking of primitive and practical original uses for ropes and yarn, thus taking the container as far as possible away from a mass produced modern plastic and moulded metal toy. This led me to a fishing net style.

I also explored knitting with the wool as this is a home hobby for me. I found that by using different knitting stitches, I could create different ways to wrap the car. At this point, my design was all about alluding to the shape of the car but not giving away entirely what it was, whilst juxtaposing the materials.

After a few trials, I came to the idea of the narrative. This being that my car is a replica of my car at home in Sussex – an old car which would have easily gone to scrap without my purchasing. Therefore I see my car as a recycled product; I could have bought a newer car with a larger carbon footprint to offset, but instead I bought a vintage English-made car which has had many owners. Thinking along the idea of taking what some people would consider not worth keeping and using it, I have created containers from recycled materials. I focused on finding materials that reflected the materials found in the car. For example, I indicated the metal used on the car with reclaimed aluminium beer cans, the plastic with fused plastic bags and the vinyl seat covers with an old, discarded vinyl record.

In terms of shape, I went initially with a traditional box shape to conceal the treasure within it; thinking of a treasure chest and the suspense of opening it. I also tried to keep the edges less than perfect to reflect the age and tattered look of my (real) car. I then changed to a curved, almost tunnel-like container to reflect the origins of the container’s materials. 


If you aren't bored to tears by some of that reading... then on with some pretty pictures!








Oh wait, what's that? I haven't been taking photos of anything because I've been super studious and ill? Oh yeah.... No photos chaps! 
After this deadline, I plan to knit some things, catch up on other work, and SLEEP. 


Abi