Min Masterpieces Proposals

10/26/15 

Body mantle Project Statement

11/02/15

     This body mantle project was based on a design/art school project done throughout many schools, most mentionable, DAAP. The goal was to create not really an article of clothing, but more of an extension of the body, which was also wearable. This extension had to be created using no less than 100 items. In edition, the selected connectors (excluding any adhesive or binding material) had to equal the same length. While some used a connector(s) along with the material, others were connecting the materials to each other. My chosen material didn't allow me to do so. 

     I had chosen silk leaves, so my connector would have to be something thin enough to poke through the stem holes on the leaves or if a hole were to be poked through the silk material, it wouldn't tear the material. The most easily accessible type of wire available could've been gauge wire, due to the thickness and malleability of it. I decided to use floral wire instead.

    My first design was a pair of (fairy) wings with an armor chest "plate". It seemed like a good idea, and had a good sketch plan. Until I realized my time available to me... With all the twisting I had to do, strengthening and reinforcing the wire and all, I realized quickly I'd have to edit my design. It took almost a week to finish what would have made the top of the first wing. Half of one down- Five and a half wings more to go. It was Friday of the first week (with only a week of work time left) when I picked up the sketchbook again, working to a design with more possibility to be completed by the deadline. What was before a set of wings, had to become a hoop skirt. One that was inspired by "steampunk" design and fashion. It still incorporated the leaves on each "level" of the skirt. It was good because the length of what would be the wing was good for the bottom of the skirt. 

     Something about this project that was surprising that other than the big block of time almost "wasted" at the beginning, there weren't very many issues. The only issue was how much my wrist hurt after constantly turning it to twist the wire together. However that is something I'd have to sacrifice to art class. And one could say that tearing a hole in my tights was another issue, which I could agree with... but purchasing more pairs of tights was no big deal.

     I twisted the wire by taking about a foot of wire, bending over (totaling 2 feet , or 24 inches), then twisting the wire. After twisting the wire, I'd make another- which was still secured- and twist that together. I did this 8 times total for the bottom hoop, 6 times for the middle hoop, and 4 times for the top hoop. I added a "hook and loop" which could easily be both secured and opened quickly. Wire about the same length as the bottom hoop was used to section off each "level" of the skirt. To attach the various leaves, I took 6 inches of wire (uncut starting from the end of the wire's twisted length), then twisting that thin enough to poke through a hole in the stem (or leaf, depending on the type)that was there or made with an X-acto knife. I considered these vines which would make the hoops of the skirts.

Overall, I'm quite pleased. I would say one thing I would want to change about the overall design or appearance is that I wanted to make the appearance of a hoop skirt more obvious. I did use well over 100 silk leaves, so maybe using less- or at least at the ends of each hoop's vine. I may have used too many leaves which made each vine heavier, thus making it difficult to emphasize the skirt or its ability to grow bigger at the bottom. I think If I were to do this project again, exploring sewing would be something i'd be interested in.

Lori's body mantle skirt

October 30, 2015