First Blog Back

I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about different ways that I can make my By Hand project more interesting. So far, I’ve been very disappointed with my project. I had much higher hopes for the end result, and I was hoping to have made something different, something that I’ve never done before.

All in all, I haven’t felt that way yet. My silk screening attempts have fallen flat. (Keep in mind that I have been trying to take a more “found objects” and “natural” approach as opposed to the more conventional method of chemical treatments and expensive equipment). I’ve started to lean towards the conclusion that silk screening is not a type of craft that can be easily mastered, nor professionally executed by using the methods that I have used thus far.

My projects have reminded me of the opinions that we have discussed in class in regards to fancywork and fancy fairs. Sure, the people were participating in craft and creating crafts, but were the items created really something you wanted around after the therapeutic or social aspects of doing the craft wore off? I’m thinking probably not.

For the next few weeks I am going to try to give this project a morale boost. I’ve decided to channel one of the more notorious innovators in silk screening: Andy Warhol. I’m sure many of you are familiar with his color blocked silk screen of Marilyn Monroe and I would like to interpret something similar to his work, yet in more own way. Perhaps a self-portrait? Or maybe someone close to me? As you can see, I’m not entirely sure. I do know, however, that I want to finish this semester with something that I’m not going to want to throw away after finishing this course.

Reflection

Since this is midterm week, I haven't had the time to work on a tangible project attempt. I decided instead that I would reflect on how my project is relatable to our readings. This has been somewhat difficult for me, especially in the very beginning stages of the project. I don't feel that I have spent enough time, thus far, reflecting on my project.

I think that the article that speaks most to my project is Atkinson's DIY article. One of the main reasons that I chose to do silk screening as my project was because it is something that can be purchased pre-made and is readily available. Atkinson's article discussed harder times in which standard, ready made items were either unavailable or too expensive for consumers. Screen printed merchandise isn't really considered a "luxury item," but nonetheless it is still something that would be considered disposable if money were an issue.

Thus far, I haven't been satisfied with my project attempts. I'm not sure if I am missing something, doing something wrong somewhere along the line in my production steps, or maybe misread some of the pages where I initially received my information? It is also possible that I had expectations higher than what can be achieved by using more of a found objects approach, but the items so far have turned out looking very....bland, boring, maybe a little cheap. I think I have become a little discouraged because this isn't really turning out the way that I had hoped.

I think that over Spring Break I am going to work on a plan to revive this project and maybe put a spin on it and make it a little more specific. Wish me luck :)