REVERTING TO PHYSICAL PRACTICES

Thus far my research has focussed on the dangers of social media and the instant sharing power of the internet. I found that in the digital age it is easy to take advantage of technology which does all the creating and publishing for us.

In a recent group tutorial we discussed the lost art of physical practices. I conveyed my interests of imperfect and unique imagery when the idea of creating a publication which did not feature digital editing arose. I had already removed the need of a digital camera in my disposables experiments so it seemed fitting to take this idea further.

I will look into the beauty of bespoke hand creation and explore the nature of taking time by filming my processes.

FMP INITIAL THOUGHTS

I am keen to focus on creating unique imagery which slows down the traditional polished publishing process. In my statement of intent I highlight how investing in imperfection is a key theme throughout my project, therefore I find it necessary to experiment and create imperfect imagery.

Imperfection is a response to my interests In abolishing comparison culture. Technological developments and social media has allowed for hundreds of filtered and posed images to become a part of our day to day lives. I wish to create eye catching narratives in my imagery where the audience take their time to fully analyse my work.

Moving forward I will continue my use of disposable cameras whilst developing the prints in unique ways. Therefore I need to discover and experiment different techniques which reflect my key themes.

JUERGEN TELLER

I recently came across this photographers work and thought it was key to include in my project. Juergen Teller truly enraptures the candid nature I wish to express. I love how unposed his photographs seem to a viewer. It is this LOFI aesthetic that I  wish to pull off throughout my FMP. Below are some of my favourite images that the photographer has shared on Instagram. 

EXPERIMENTATION I WILL NOT BE CARRYING FORWARD

I have included some experiments that I am not happy with. I decided not to include these in my sketchbook because I didn’t want to take away from my other images. Although, I think it is important to include these on my blog to discuss why they did not work. Firstly, my technique was not refined enough and it shows, I need to build on my fashion illustration skills as it is something I would love to include throughout my work. I like the general messages that these images convey about teenage anxiety  and the struggles of lockdown. 

BOOKS I WILL BE READING OVER CHRISTMAS

In order to continue my research I will utilize my time by reading these books that have been recommended to me.

Girl on Girl: The New Photography Book Exploring The Female Gaze.

Invisable Women: Data Bias in a World Designed for Men.

Feminists Don’t Wear Pink

THE VALUE OF DISPOSBALE CAMERAS

I think it is important to explain why I have decided to use disposable cameras throughout my work. I have noticed a recent trend where camera brands like Fujifilm have re-branded their instant photo products to become more accessible to young people. I like the idea that although we all have a camera in out pockets at all times, we are looking back and slowing down the image making process.

This has increased value to a some what lost art and implements my theme of imperfection. Because we have phones which are so advanced we are bored of the clean cut imagery produced from them. Lofi and unique imager will be on the rise in 2021 and this is what I wish to reflect throughout my FMP.

THE IMPORTANCE OF UNDERSTANDING HOW CORONAVIRUS IMPACTED FASHION

In the start of my project I wanted to understand how the fashion industry was surviving in such unnerving times. I think it is important to state why I decided to include this research in my sketchbook as it may seem random otherwise. I knew coming into this project that I would have to produce an outcome with the ever changing rules that Covid has bought to the new working world. Therefore I wanted to take a snapshot of work and analyse how they achieved it with restrictions in place. This gave me many ideas into how to adapt my work to be more Covid friendly whilst still achieving successful results. To do this I went out and bought magazines to review and gain inspiration from. This way of working meant that I was well informed so that I can produce an outcome to the best of my ability.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE WORD EMPOWERMENT

Pamela Church-Gibson’s book was used as a major reference point in my sketchbook. I find her statement that the word empowering is problematic, Gibson says that the word is used by only people in power and not those with no power. Therefore the word itself is problematic and loses its meaning. Having said that I do not agree with Gibson, The word empowering to me is a fantastic word that is often used between women to uplift each other. There is no patronisation in the way that I use the word empowering and that is why I continue to use it throughout my work.