Evaluation
A4 Portrait- when I found the doily I collected from Amsterdam last year, I realised it fitted in with my project as I was learning to paper cut, during a workshop influenced from Rob Ryan.  I felt everything fitted into place and it became much easier straight away. Before this I had loads of ideas of how I could compare modern day culture to the pre-tense period of the 17th century. However I couldnât decide on which one to go with. Struggling to take it forward I wasnât sure of how to fit the portrait with the dollies but I knew I wanted to use it, because I felt influenced to use them due to the fashion design of the dresses which I then researched into called the âTabbard designâ. It was fascinating to research the portrait and the story behind but it was the costumes and the fans that particularly interested me. Also because I knew young children was going to see my work I dedicated my project to young girls my target audience,  using the title âA portrait of a ladyâ for my theme as inspired from the paintings that I first chosen at Birmingham art gallery and London because of  the costumes, linen and fan designs.
For the final piece of my portrait I wanted to create something quirky and different that worked within my designs from the dollies I handmade some and others store bought, I decided to use them as my final piece showing each of the designs different and unique representing three different things. The first design was traditional hand painted of the âTabbard designâ (in my own style). The second fan was to show another âTabbard designâ from using the same colours as in the first painting I chose from Birmingham Art gallery using the collection period of paint dedicated to the 17th century (names of paints: white glove, grey lace and ballet shoes). I found amazing colour charts that were useful for my design ideas and colour book by picking out the exact shade of colour I wanted for example: the background of the painting and the woman cheeks contrasting the two. Thirdly I wanted to show the innocent side and fun of a young lady using light pastel colours, media: Pro markers and paint. I also adored the names of the paint such as âCandy flossâ for light pink and for a pastel purple âMagicalâ. I donât enjoy the digital side of my projects as I never know what to do or how to get started. I like to make my drawings in colour and look professional but really struggle. I use the technical prints for textures and colours but I need to learn more about this side so I can use it better. I would definitely need to learn more about photo-shop for doing a project like this again.Â
Six Word Narrative - Box- I felt much pressured for time doing this part of the project. There was so much more I wanted to do and explore but just didnât have the time. After I had finished the box I saw my project really expand I would like to have had more time and would have used the ideas for my box. However, Iâm really pleased with how it turned out and so proud to see it hanging in the gallery. This part of the project helped me expand my skills, especially arts and crafts- making fans, experimenting with colours, patterns, creating my own designs and working into 3D. I also adapted my skills in writing as I wrote a short paragraph about what kind of story I wanted for my box and portrait to achieve from this I thought of a tea party using the dollies as signs and decoration for each of the key words I had chosen: Â Innocent, wealthy, Status, Space, Portrait including a colourful side to the past tense of the 17th century for influenced I looked at Marie Antoinette.
Post Cards and Zine- I found the post cards to be interesting as I was just contemplating a lot of how they would look and how I wanted to present them. I ended up going with the idea of using them as cards. I really liked the idea of presenting my final piece relating to my short narrative of a lady going to ball (the idea I had for the zine) which was of a lady inspired from âMarie Antoinetteâ from the costumes designs and the scenes âAll eyes on meâ. Â I used the card design as invitations almost like the ones you would get before going to the ball, although I did find time being difficult by doing this but at the same time enjoyable developing my designs into advertising. The workshop was very useful and exciting to be making a zine learning how to use different techniques and designs for them. When learning the origami technique I saw my work evolve even more. I will continue to use these techniques for my next project to make my own sketchbook. Blog- I find it difficult to dedicate my time to the blog. I find that there is something else always to do and I prefer the practical side of the work. I have worked hard at the blog and keeping it up to date as I learned previously it is a lot to catch up with if I donât.
Time Management- Overall I think I have managed this quite well as there was so much to do for this project and I enjoyed working with the dollies seeing my work evolve and my sketchbooks grow. There are parts of the project I would have like to have had more time for, especially the box as I was quite nervous about this.
