Sustained Investigation #4

Sustained Investigation #4

Bean Stalk 1

Approx. 1.5' by .75' by .5'

Materials: assorted fabric, needle and thread

Bean Stalk 2

Approx. 1.5' by .75' by .5'

Materials: assorted fabric, needle and thread

Artist's Statement:

Jillian Wight

Medsker

3D Design

8 June 2021

As always, this piece explores the ways that fashion converges and collides with the form of the human body. In my other designs, I used cutouts, unique silhouettes, and lines to manipulate the way that the viewer sees the organic forms of the model. These elements of my work also helped to flatter the curves of the body, and accentuate or highlight specific aspects. In this piece, I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and attempt to reach the same goal using different methods. I chose a very standard silhouette, and did not include any cutouts in my work. Instead, I used variations in color, as well as seams and patterns to engage the shape of the model. The woven fabric, when pulled tight, curves and spreads in such a unique and inspiring way. The seams also ruffle, which I think enhances the organic feeling of the garment. In the skirt, I used a simple design with an asymmetrical silhouette, and carried some of the patterns and colors from the top over in order to create a cohesive final set. Finally, a big part of what inspired this set was its wearability. So far in this unit, I have created three garments which ended up being so extravagant that I felt I would never wear them, and was unable to really focus on my craftsmanship. For this piece, I chose to really focus on making the garments into clothes I was proud of and would wear, both due to the overall design and the fine quality. In this way, I was really able to connect with my work and experience it the way I wanted it to be experienced. It complements the forms of the human body and plays off of its themes, yet does not overpower and allows the wearer to feel comfortable. Essentially, the clothes are an extension of self.

I started by sketching the basic shapes I wanted to incorporate into my design. When I had finalized the drawing, I annotated the page and made sure that my goals were clear as I began work on the garments. Then, I gathered materials. In the past, I have struggled a lot with color schemes, and I have found that the colors and patterns incorporated in my work have distracted from the beautiful forms and shapes I created. For this tank top and skirt, I made sure to carefully consider the color scheme and tie elements of color from the tank top into the skirt, and vice versa. Once I had gathered all of my fabric (most of which I obtained from thrift stores and/or my own scraps), I began to cut and pin the pieces. I decided to sew with a zig zagging stitch so that the seams would be more elevated and prominent, which ended up being very effective. I would say that the most difficult aspect of assembly was pinning and sewing seams, as there were numerous places in which ridges collided and maneuvering the sewing machine was a struggle. However, I practiced on scrap pieces and eventually nailed down a method.

I went through a number of processes before my piece was finalized. Most predominantly, I was unsure of what approach to take with the skirt. I started by creating a long skirt out of a dress from a thrift store, and I actually really loved how it came out! I thought the shape was simple yet elegant, and the waistline was unique and engaged the model’s hips and belly. Looking back, I should have added a slit and/or some lace to finalize the skirt and called it good. However, I was nervous that the piece wasn’t complex enough, and I wouldn’t get the grade I wanted. So, I cut up the skirt and it became a pair of shorts. I tried the shorts on, and they fit very strangely and did not work at all. So, I scraped them and with the fabric I had left, created a skirt in a similar style to the top. While I am proud of how this looks, I think I lost sight of my goal of wearability. For this reason, the top is definitely the most successful aspect of the piece. I also experimented a lot with color, as I mentioned above. In the end, I am happy with my color scheme. I think it is both organic and almost fantastical, and really contributes to the overall vibe of the garments. I stepped out of my comfort zone to create these garments, and I learned so much! I am very happy with my work.

. . .