Module 6 - Chapter 9 - Decorative Papers

A range of papers, including khadi paper, cartridge paper, cellophane foil and tissue paper, were decorated in line with my theme, with acrylic paints, inks and dyes to include textured, shiny and see-through surfaces to be used in my design process.

Colours were considered from my initial inspiration source photographs of Middleton Lakes, and also my research and design development throughout this module. I tried to include light and dark tones to allow for more flexibility in the design process, and used complimentary colours from the colour wheel.

I also considered the symbolisation of the colours used.

Indigo represents importance, power and stability. Purple, peace and wisdom, and gold, knowledge. All of these things are 'hanging in the balance' in our current political and environmental climate. With stability, peace, wisdom and knowledge, one would hope that the world would be able to reverse, or at least halt the damage that is being done to our planet, through pollution, deforestation and global warming.

06.09.01

These decorated papers were the cut, ripped an torn to develop a series of designs, based around some of the simple black and white layout experiments from Chapter 8.

All of the following designs were scaled up to approximately A3 in size, and based on the idea of water and reeds, (indicating global warming with the use of thermochromic puple/pink printing ink).

06.09.02

The above design would be based on a number of vertical, long, narrow panels, hung separately. The gaps between the lines of water would be see-through. Method of construction to be determined, but perhaps either by the use of clear cellophane, or perhaps minimal, lace-like stitching between the waves using either dissolvable fabrics, or a delicate insertion method. Consideration needs to be given to strength, due to the weight of the stitching being held.

06.09.03

Similar to the above design, this would also be based on a series of vertical, long, narrow panels, hung separately.

06.09.04

The above design would be one large A1 sized panel with see-through strips between the waves. Construction would need to be considered using similar ideas to the first option.

06.09.05

One really long panel was considered. The only issue I had with this design was the restraints of potential exhibition space with regard to hanging.

06.09.06

After my tutorial with Sian at Summer School, where we speedily discussed all options, her thoughts, comments and advice led me to decide on the above design, with the possible addition of gold cording, or lengths of wicker woven between the gaps in the reeds to add further interest.