Unit X Reflections

Throughout this project I have learned that collaboration can happen unexpectedly, and doesn’t have to be manifested through swapping samples. Rather, it can mean sharing ideas, skills, or even just working in the same environment and problem-solving as a team. Regarding my personal practice, I have discovered that working with other people has helped me go out of my comfort zone and take more risks.

I engaged with all aspects of the unit, undertaking my primary research of photographing architecture around Manchester individually, then sharing this with the rest of the groups’ research. Over the Easter break, we didn’t stay in touch consistently, and this led to us feeling a bit disconnected when we returned about how to develop our ideas into samples. However, this time apart meant that we had been able to fully research our individual crafts.

The idea to run workshops was a turning point for us in terms of the direction of our sampling and our relationship as a group. Instead of focusing on an idea for a final piece, we concentrated on working collaboratively. This proved insightful and creatively stimulating, as the more we learned from each other, the more we could experiment through sampling. This process of gathering knowledge and then passing it on was beneficial in encouraging us to take risks and learning not to be precious about our own work.

Thinking about our samples as parts of a larger artwork, rather than individual pieces. Each sample showcasing influences of multiple endagered crafts.

We were then able to use the skills learned to better inform our own practices. For me the best thing about this process was us all working in the same space together, even if it was on separate things. This collective hive of activity inspired me to work harder and experiment more – I became less concerned about things failing, because I had the support of other people to work through problems and test solutions.

Combining skills from ceramics, calligraphy and marbling.

I think our initial research may have been stronger if we had conducted it as a group, rather than individually. We all had a different vision of the theme of architecture at the start, making it difficult for us to express our ideas and come up with a cohesive plan of how to begin making. Although I think that having the Easter break apart was a turning point for us realising that we needed to work together more, if we could do the project again we would address our initial apprehensions sooner.

Materials were integral to the design process and inherent to our chosen crafts, from ceramics to yarn, although greater discussion about the materials we were using could have been beneficial. We thought about materials in relation to the theme of architecture, for example concrete, and how this could be combined with yarn, paper, ceramics, calligraphy and marbling to give them an architectural feel. Overall our exploration of materials was in-depth but could have been improved by greater group experimentation from the start to identify issues with combining certain materials, such as the weight of concrete on paper.

Playing with materials, particularly those associated with architecture, such as concrete and ceramics, combined with non-traditional architectural materials like paper. Also exploring the contrast between hard and soft with ceramics and yarn and concrete and paper.

Our main communication was through the workshop sessions. Learning to think through making was one of the most important lessons I took away from the process. I experimented with stitching, laser cutting into Perspex and then marbling onto it, which inspired me to weave on top of it, an amalgamation of the skills learned through collaboration. However, in embracing this way of working we at times lost sight of our initial theme, and found it difficult to re-adjust our sampling to reflect architectural values, instead honing in on the processes of the endangered crafts. Additional and no less important communication through our WhatsApp group was critical in allowing us to be open and honest with each other about the direction of the project. Having this informal forum for discussion gave everyone an equal voice in the group, so no one person's opinions became overbearing.

Analysing our samples together as they might appear in the exhibition. Reviewing how the respond to each other and how elements can be combined to create compositions resembling arcitectural structures.

Overall, I have learned that working in a collective environment, whether on a group or individual project is important for research and sampling. I have realised that I definitely need to be more willing to discuss the ‘failures’ in my work and to view work in progress as a valuable part of the outcome, not merely a means to an end.

visualisations of our samples as decorative pieces, wearable garments and jewellery. Each one highlighting the combination of crafts inolved.

Together, we have developed a deeper understanding of our endangered crafts, considering ways to protect and revitalise them for the future. For example, 3D printing woven structures. We have encountered new methods of working which have allowed us to be bolder with sampling, for instance, I tend to stick to paper modelling and screen printing, but have found a new passion for combining unusual materials like concrete (inspired by Natalie’s workshop) to add a tactile, industrial effect.

Our final samples and booklet in situ in the exhibition at the Manchester Craft and Design Centre. The architectural heritage of the building provided inspiration for our theme and its industrial appearance is echoed in our choice of materials.

I’ve spent the last fortnight of the project on placement at Rob Ryan studio in London, where I have mainly been assisting with paper cutting, which has really benefited my understanding of endangered crafts and traditional processes. Despite not being with my group in person, we have kept in contact through WhatsApp and I have been updated with the progress of sampling in anticipation of the upcoming exhibition. This has allowed me to continue to offer suggestions and support my group with finalising the samples and preparing for the deadline.