MMT3 Reflection

I have to admit to being slightly overwhelmed and not really knowing where to start with this module. I’ve not felt that kind of reluctance before, I normally jump straight in, but I found the course materials to not give any details on how to use the materials, none of the materials I’d used before, and the website suggested, castingabout.com, I found very unclear. I kept picking up the course materials and reading them and then putting it away again. I could not find a way in for months!. I think living through a pandemic and lockdown has caused some major creative blocks and a loss of shaprness and confidence!

Once I started though I very much enjoyed the experiments. It was nice as a standalone creative pursuit, but doing the artist research alongside the samples meant I could also relate some of it back to textiles. In fact I ended up loving the juxtaposition between the solid industrial concrete and yarn, the ability of resin to completely transform fabric, crochet, it opens up so many exciting possibilities!

All in all it was well outside of my comfort zone but that is ultimately a good thing, that is exactly why I started this degree, this assignment pushed and stretched me as a designer/ artist and I very much enjoyed the huge learning curve!

I did not keep a sketchbook during this assignment, the ideas were all suggested to me on the spot, by the objects and materials around me. When I had some further developed ideas I could not for the life of me have adequately put these down on paper. There is very little mention of a sketchbook during the whole MMT course really, other than a notebook. I make notes only in my head and on his blog I’m afraid! I don’t see this as an issue for MMT as it is such a hands on unit but correct me if I’m wrong.

This assignment has taught me so much. Not just practical skills and knowledge but it has opened my eyes to a whole new side of textiles and textile art and has deepend my understanding of myself within this. It has sharpened my focus on what I am inspirired by (textures, colours, urban architexture, contrasts) and what I like making and why.