William Morris and all that jazz.

This week, I attended a lecture on the 'History of Art and Design'. 'William Morris' and 'John Ruskin' were 2 of the artists mentioned during the lecture. I'm a fan of William Morris' work, but have only vaguely heard of John Ruskin.

'Jasmine' (1872) by William Morris.

'Illustration for The Stones of Venice' (1853) by John Ruskin.

Other points that were mentioned during the lecture:-

• The 'Arts and Crafts Movement' - I'm a fan of this, and how much it "stood out". The work from it is absolutely stunning.

- A stunning plate created during the Movement.

• The 'Bauhaus School' - a German Art School that was built before WWII, and it bought together every sort of "art person" (designers, writers, etc.) However, in the lead up to WWII, it was turned into a Nazi training centre. I would have loved to have studied there!
  
  
  
  
  
  I also produced some discharge prints this week, as well as layering my stencils on top of each other, and photocopying them to make different types of patterns.
  This kind of explains it...
  
  
  
  
  
  I tried a technique of placing the patterned insides of envelopes underneath my stencils, and photocopying them too.

Making a speech about it....

So last Wednesday I attended a lecture on 'What is an art school?' There was a seminar afterwards and were asked to write what we thought an art school should be. So here's my thoughts...

An art school should teach you new techniques that you might never of thought about or you thought might be too hard (when really, they're pretty easy). Critical advice should be given on how to improve one's work, if needed. Students should be introduced to equipment that they have never heard of, in order to expand their knowledge. Students should feel inspired in many ways, by different things. Teachers should talk about different artists and designers, both well-known and not so, in order to show pupils the variety of art in the world. Students should be given help to find opportunities where they can showcase their work or acquire work experience with a well-known artist or designer. Fair boundaries, deadlines and rules should be set. Pupils should be able to have the freedom to express themselves through both their work and voice. Different styles of painting, drawing, designing and making should be taught, so that students can show an ability to learn and change. Both traditional and modern techniques should be taught. Help must be given when students need it. The environment should be friendly and relaxed to prevent arguments and stress. Information should be provided in a way that one can "take it in" and not be confused by it. A variety of young people must be educated at art schools, no matter what social class they belong to, and how much money their family has. It is about how much passion they have for the subject, and how much it means to them...

Moving on to a completely different subject, on Monday I used the photos from the Colchester town trip in a different way that last time. I ended up creating "fashion drawings" inspired by the structures of the different buildings, statues, etc. I must admit though, they didn't turn out quite as cool as these...

Forgetting the important things....

So I completely forgot to introduce myself...

Hi, I'm Lydia and I'm a slave to vintage. ;-)

I also love the glitz and glamour of 1950s pin up and burlesque. I can't make up my mind what exactly what I want to do with my life. Although it's definitely going to be vintage in many ways! Oh, and did I mention I love pretending to be 1950s housewife and make lots of cake? These are just a few examples...

Oh, and I think cats are the cutest things ever! Here's my beaut kitty, Clover...

She's a bit of a book worm.

She's a massive fan of 'Miranda'...

...as well as kitty-cat food.

Oh, and we all know that cats can never get enough sleep...

New York, New York!

So on Monday I looked at the photos I took on the Colchester town trip and found details in them that I could use for creating prints out of. For instance, this gate and house inspired me to create striped patterns...

And the "swirly thing" on this statue inspired me to create... Well... Swirls. :-P

I'd created art before that concentrated on particular details from photos, but hadn't tried making patterns from them. I rather like the results that I ended up with. However, when I was just beginning the task, I must admit, I didn't envisage any good results.

On the subject of prints, I also "worked into" my black ink and bleach prints this week, to add colour and "depth". I must admit that I was found of them in their "original state", but I suppose adding to them has definitely given them more "depth" and interest.

Now you're probably wondering the reason behind this post's title...? Well ladies and gentleman, I have been set the task of researching two fashion designers who showed their work at New York Fashion Week for spring/summer 2013. After much deliberation, I decided upon 'Ralph Lauren' (because I adore the elegance and vibrant colours of the collection)...

...and 'Alice + Olivia' (because of the vintage style and the prints used in the collection). I'm familiar with Ralph Lauren, but not Alice + Olivia.

A new technique I learnt today was "discharge printing" (you cut out a stencil of a pattern, place it onto fabric, put a "printing screen" over it all and then use a "squeegee" to coat the screen in the "discharge paste". After all this has been done, the printing screen is lifted off and the fabric is hung up to dry). Here's an awesome retro inspired example I found whilst exploring the interweb....

The discharge paste is a pretty disgusting and foul-smelling substance, but it's clever, nonetheless.

Are we nearly there yet...?

So last Monday all of the first year Fashion and Textiles students went on a little trip to Colchester town. We were "tour guided" around and shown all the important historical places in the town, along with being told interesting and in-depth information. I took photos along the way.

Look at this handsome fellow. ;-)

I think I kinda want these gates at the entrance of the driveway of my dream house...

Oh, and could I have this as my pet please? xD

This cheeky squirrel kept on trying to steal the spotlight.

Absolutely beautiful. So inspiring.

And from the same war memorial...

The top of the water tower...

And next to the water tower was this beauty...

There were pretty houses everywhere....

Oh, and we mustn't forget the doors and windows... :-P

I think every modern street light should be replaced with these Victorian ones....