Jewels of the Sea
date. September 2022
city. Nottingham, United Kingdom
project. Textile Art Pieces.
My MA project is an investigation into the impact human activity has on marine biodiversity, with the aim to bring awareness of coral bleaching to a wider audience through my creative practice.
INSPIRATION:
My MA project, ”Jewels of the Sea,” delves into the profound impact of human activities on oceans and marine life. Through a combination of multi-head embroidery techniques and laser cutting, I aim to capture the beauty and tranquility that lies beneath the sea. My work evokes emotions and instills a sense of compassion in viewers, raising awareness about the threats faced by marine life. My inspiration for this project stems from a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in 2013, where I witnessed the stunning coral reefs deteriorating due to ocean pollution and global warming. My underwater experience while snorkelling with colourful corals and fish was breathtaking. But in sharp contrast to the beauty was the horrific sight of beaches full of dead corals. This experience opened my eyes to the fragile state of the underwater world, igniting my desire to create art that inspires action and protects our oceans and the life they sustain. Through my creative practice, I aspire to inspire my audience to take action and join the fight in protecting our oceans.
DESIGN DEVELOPMENT:
Primary Research
Secondary Research
Illustration
Photo Journalism from Sea Life Birmingham and Maidenhead Aquatics Nottingham
My illustrations and mark-making have been developed by looking at shells, self-clicked photos, and Google images which have help in developing ideas and discovering new possibilities. I mainly use ink and charcoal for initial developments using techniques like blind drawing, thick-n-thin lines, left hand drawing giving me abstract and interesting forms.
SAMPLE DEVELOPMENT:
Substantial exploration of mark-marking and illustrations is followed by sampling using innovative printing and embroidery techniques. I have carried out extensive experimentation in hand embroidery, pleating, embellisher technique alongwith skills of printing like heat transfer, sublimation, devore, mono-printing with thermochromic inks.
Screen printing with pigments, metallic colors on mono-printed base.
Puff printing and heat transfer print with yarns and some foil.
Trying out thermochromic inks that will change its color to white
Trying out laser cutting of coral forms
Trying out light and projection with multihead embroidery samples
Scaling up my samples for installation pieces
Scaling up my samples for installation pieces
FINAL COLLECTION:
LONDON SHOWCASE:
My Work was selected to be exhibited at the London Showcase, organised by NTU. I had the opportunity to exhibit my pieces, which were appreciated by many industry professionals, tutors and peers!
