Studio practice

 Soft stop sculpture no 1   

When thinking about the language of materials in relation to directions and signage i knew i wanted to create at least one soft road sign sculpture. I wasn't the most proficient when it came to using a sewing machine but knew the basics of how to use my own machine safely.  So the Thursday working at home gave me a great opportunity to really get to grips working with a sewing machine in private so i could get more confident. During this time i decided to create the first rough attempt at a stop sign soft form. 

I made a basic pattern based on a circular cushion, i adapted it into a sign form just by adding two extra staps and the distinct design on the front. The pattern was quite easy and basic, consisting of two circular panels, one long side and the two straps, I used calico for the whole patten, just embellishing the front panel in a traditional stop sign design with some left over red fabric i had. The stop sign design on the front is quite rough really i like that it gives it a homemade feel but i think with this piece it is bordering on messy and uncontrolled, but i just need to take a little more care and practice with the machine sewing in future. This piece was less about being a perfect evolved piece and more just about getting my ideas turned into something physical, and working out process kinks. Originally i had planned to hand sew this whole piece but instead used completely machine stitch, personally i don't believe that's really an important factor, just a change that occurred in the process. I am pleased with how this turned out, i believe the transcoding is clear with this use of soft comforting materials mixed with the assertive stop sign. I did add the question mark at the end of "stop" and i do think this adds to that sense of mixed messaging but i don't think its really necessary, the materials and subject accomplish that well enough. With the next one ill use the same subject of a stop sign but lean more into the decorative.