Amelia Zandra Textiles

Inspired by the abstract artwork I had viewed I decided to create my own version of abstract poppies. Using the principles of shape, form and design I created a basic flower consisting of straight lines and triangles using a ruler. The image was drawn first with pencil and then finished off with water colours in various shades of red, orange and pink. I intend to experiment with more colour and media. I aim to explore using new techniques I have been learning on illustrator. Here I have started experimenting with simple motifs that I have created by scanning in my drawings and creating them into paint brushes. I have mixed motifs together to form various designs. Next time I will start to incorporate a range of different colours. 

I have decided to research the poppy theme further. I feel I can experiment with simple images and more intricate designs. I also intend to further explore the possibility of abstract images of poppies in various colours and designs, This way I can bring together a broad and varying collection.  Pages from my sketchbook showing the research and experimentation into the range of colours for poppies. Through this I can explore colours to create my own colour chart to advance in the development of my personal designs.

The piece of artwork on display at the Atkinson. A solid glass and metal creation with the imprint of a rifle and soldiers helmet. The bleak black and grey background is brought to life by the vibrant red poppies at the fore front. A simple image that has inspired me to research further into the victims of war.  The poppy flower I felt was the perfect image for me to interpret in many different forms. This poignant flower evokes emotion remembrance and hope.  My interpretation of the above image... "In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row" John McCrae, 1915 Here I have used various paint brushes with water colours to create a muted watery background to the bold original image that I took as a photograph. On another piece of paper again using water colours I used a small fan brush to create the illusion of rows of poppies which is a common image of remembrance. Abstract Art is like Marmite you either love it or hate it

At the Victoria and Albert museum I was particular drawn to the Japanese section. Within this area was housed a large collection of objects, clothing and historical documents. Giving an insite of Japanese culture and lifestyle from thousands of years ago to modern times. I was particularly drawn to the textile section where on display were many beautiful examples of silk embroidered kimonos. One of the kimonos I took a photograph of was embroidered with a beautiful intricate design of a flower, which I have re-produced in my own interpretation. I think my drawing works well and I am pleased with the final outcome which was achieved using pencil sketching and then water colour paints. the stem of the flower was created using a metallic bronze acrylic paint. This was to interpret the gold thread which was used to embellish and embroider the silk of the kimono. This drawing was taken from a zoomed in section of the kimono which I found interesting.  An antique kimono on di

Wallpaper is a form of material which can be used to decorate the inside walls of houses and public buildings. Paste is applied to the reverse of the paper to allow it to stick to the walls. Where it all began... The Chinese invented paper, and as early as 200BC the Chinese were gluing rice paper onto their walls for decorative purposes. In 1785 Christophe-Phillipe Oberkampf invented a machine used for printing colours on sheets of paper. Later in 1799 Louis Nicholas Robert made a machine that was capable of producing continuous lengths of paper, which could be used for wallpaper.  In the 1860's the British wallpaper market was booming as it was a much cheaper alternative to the previous textile based wall coverings that succeeded it.  Wallpaper has always been considered the inferior area of the decorative arts, being fragile, transient, fleeting and short lived. The designs are easily replaced and can often disappear completely. The V&A Museum strives to keep our hist

This week I visited the Imperial War Museum in Manchester to continue my research into archives and collections. The museum exhibits many artefacts from various conflicts and wars. At the moment there is an exhibition called 'Lest We Forget', a memorial to mark the hundredth year anniversary of the end of the First World War. This exhibition shows the casualties and loss of life during this conflict.  Within the museum on display were old, delicate poppies. The poppy has become the symbol of remembrance every November. Armistice Day is on the 11th November each year. It represents the day the Great War ended, and the gunfire ceased at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. The occasion is marked with a two minute silence to remember those who served their country and lost their lives.  The symbol of a poppy as remembrance was inspired by the Canadian Lieutenant Colonol John McCrae who wrote the poem 'In Flanders Fields'. He referred to the devastat

"They shall not grow old" This week I have been inspired by the New Zealand film maker Peter Jackson, best know for writing, directing and producing The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit films. With modern day technology he is remastering hours of rare World War 1 film footage which has been stored in  The Imperial War Museum’s archives. The footage has been stabilised, sharpened and enhanced by colour. He has used interviews with veterans from many years ago and actor’s voices to add sound to the silent footage. World War 1 was the twentieth centuries most horrific and shocking war. This film footage in its new technicolour state has brought poor quality images of soldiers back to life. We are used to seeing the old black white versions but this new technology gives the viewer a chance to fully visualise the conditions and brings their human character to life. I think this is a worth while undertaking and a fantastic insight to our country’s history. It is par