Summited Work Statement, Rebecca Nokes

I am particularly interested in studying ‘Textiles in practice’ at Manchester Metropolitan University because of the culturally rich atmosphere and cosmopolitan environment it holds.  The extensive facilities and workshops it maintains, will cultivate my initial understanding of techniques and methods. At Chelsea we have had the opportunity of being taught by practitioners, and I understand within the ‘Textiles in Practice’ course a more specialised interaction with textile practitioners is available. Which I think will motivate and hone in my future ambitions. I am an intuitive person and having not yet had the opportunity to work collaboratively, I feel that would be an incredible experience and could open up new ways of seeing and creating.

I have included twelve images within my blog showing you diversification of my recent work. Images 1 – 5 are selected from ‘Migrate’ a project set by Chelsea. I was looking at the migration of life cycles, choosing to initially concentrate on the stages of migration within leaves. For me personally the project moved more towards the two words ‘preservation’ and ‘restoration’. Finally focusing on the remains left from degrading organisms, direct reference to image 1, explored through hand stitch.

Recently I had the opportunity to explore Marrakech, I found the experience really inspiring. I felt I needed to further my understanding of the different culture creatively. Images 6 -9 are selected from within this period. Most recently the project title was set as ‘Deconstruct’; I responded by weaving my way into deconstructing Moroccan culture focusing on colour palette, natural environment and Moroccan textiles. I particularly used the concept of layering practices common within Moroccan interiors. Image 6 the layering of heat transfer and mono printing using Majorelle blue from Yves Sant Laurent gardens. Image 7 a creation of weaved chords, a response of Moroccan colour. Image 8 layered samples using a range of weights of material, and free machine embroidery.  Images 11 and 12, I included to show diversification within my work from a fine art angle, image 11 is a series looking at the build up of intensity and uneasiness for the viewer, created using dry point printing.  Image 12 is a life drawing in reflection from Henry Moore.

Within image 5, I have referenced Anne Wilson’s work, from an open sketchbook from ‘Migrate’.