Monsters in the Wardrobe

Mixing figures. When i spoke with susie she suggested that i might want to try a gender fluid shiloette. So i thought about how I could do this. I knew I had some make and female figures so I cut them up to place into shapes to them draw a gender fluid figure. I have then scanned them into my computer to work on top.

Fabric Dyeing                                                                                     Because of lockdown I've been finding it hard to source material so i chose to get a variety of white fabrics to see if I could dye and print onto them while being at home. I used calico for my first series of tests because I had this at home and from previous experience with this fabric I know its easy to dye and play with. First test I tried acrylic painted on bubble wrap then pressed onto the fabric. I wanted to look at the texture and pattern the bubble wrap makes. I felt this test went well. I like that it looks like sucker from a tentacle but maybe I need to try bigger bubblewrap. My next test was my favourite outcome. This is eyeballs drawn on using fabric markers. I can add detailing on the fabric with these the only downside it would take a while to do. what if I used screen print? Can I do this at home?   This test was done using drawing ink I had in

  Screen Printing I ordered myself a screen print at home kit just as lockdown begun because I had started trying this at university. The kit came with instructions so I followed them to make sure I did this correct as the only way I had been shown how to do screen print was at uni. It is a very easy process. Start by finding an image (I wanted an eye) I knew I wanted to do 4 layers(colours) so I started with the black outline of my eye. I drew my outline with a blunt pencil to not to damage the screen mesh. then using the drawing ink, provided in the kit, painted over the top of the outline. This is where I now know I need to make sure I have filled all the area with ink because if not it misses the line. When this has dried (about an hour) it then time to apply the screen block, this is a rubber liquid that I applied on top of the drawing ink to create a barrier around the image. Before applying the block place some thick cardboard pieces so that the screen is off the surface

I  embroidered an eyeball using different fabrics and thread. I used calico as my background fabric and drew on the stitch line. I chose a variety of fabrics, denim for the pupil, a blue organza I dyed myself for the iris and red felt for the veins. I thought about using this piece as a badge or a feature. Im still not sure if this is the way I want to take my ideas but I did enjoy making this and will definitely use this in future projects.

Eyeball test i wanted to try some eyeball in different forms. This one is made from a preformed Styrofoam shape. then because it wasn't a perfect round form I needed to remove the bumps. I did this using a crafting knife. it was difficult because the shape is really well packed. to make the shape smooth, so I could paint on top,  I used plaster of Paris made a paste then sculptured this over the raw edges. When dry i sanded it till smooth. I was now ready to paint. I've used acrylic because it was fast drying and has a shiny finish. I wanted to do this as a shoulder piece but decided that would make my garment more of a couture piece rather then everyday wearable.

What is GENDER? Historically people have been put in 'boxes' in terms of what clothing is considered acceptable for society. Males would typically be seen wearing a suit, women shown in skirts with frills, ruffles and so much more. This is ok for some people in the world, but for trans and non binary its hard to choose clothes from selections that don't represent you. I've created a 'gender' moodboard. On this I've chosen images to represent typical male and female clothing. Male in suits, shirts and formal uniform. For the female side I've chosen colours and frills that were more seen as female. I've chosen to use, also typical, gender colours of pink and blue. My next step is to alternate between stereotypical ideals representing the two genders and find ways to mix them.