My starting point for my project I have began with looking at the initial fear of pittakionophobia what it is, and my specific fears surrounding stickers e.g on me, fruits and peeling off walls. To display this in I decided to create a small booklet displaying secondary and primary images alongside a definition of the fear. I think this is a strong starting point for me as now I want to expand looking at new categories of stickers e.g, political, medical.  If one of these categories is interesting It might be a direction that I haven't considered developing. However, before I start to develop my ideas into samples I want to explore a little deeper as to why I dislike stickers for example when it peels off and collects fibres. On Friday I am looking forward to a group crit images to talk about my project and to gain some feedback and ideas that I have may not have considered. 

At the Studio I decided on a route I wanted record images of all the stickers I came across, sticking to one area will show enable me to return to the same spot If I require more images and track the path I took. I found this really useful as now I have a broad range of images and stickers ranging from political to ambiguous. I hope to use these images to put these stickers into categories, transform in to print, drawings and pull colour swatches.  What I also find really interesting is the stickers on the colourful surfaces producing interesting photographs and aesthetically pleasing imagery. However, at the same time due to my phobia I hated getting close to these stickers I would also like to somehow record my reaction to them if it's through drawing or any type of media that would be appropriate. 

At the studio I continued to draw the images of stickers I collected on my walk down Peckham Road. I find this really beneficial as it gives me ideas of where I can take this I'm thinking about turning them into print. I also participated in my group tutorial which I will be continually catch-up during the FMP. I was really interested in hearing what my peers projects and giving feedback to them and vice versa. The feedback I  received was positive and my peers were interested in my fear and other ways I can research e.g looking at other irrational fears. Furthermore, I really liked the idea of producing textures that others or myself find irritant or horrible.  Moving on from this I create more drawings, mixed media collages and from this I will start producing tangible samples relative to my research.
 

At home I wanted to put my images into booklets based on their content. I also wanted to categorise them looking at colour so I identified 6 colours from one of the photos of each category. I really liked how this turned out due to creating another meaning to the grouping and creating a visual print. However, I dont know where this will take me so I am going continue some drawings which I'm finding helpful to visualise the research rather than photographs, and then create a mind map looking back on all my research and identify areas where I can go onto developing. 

At the studio I participated in a mould-able plastic workshop. This was done through poly morph plastics being heated up with water in order to become malleable and forced into any shape. In order to relate this to my research, when the plastic was soft I put fibres and rabbit fur into the plastic. I found this was a really interesting and helpful way to start off my development. I wanted to change the direction into looking at the adhesive side of stickers and when the collect dust and hair producing a new texture. furthermore, one of my plastic samples is almost folded and coiled up, resembling a peeling sticker and I found this really effective and might be another direction for me to explore opening up new pathways for me to take this. Possible ideas are to embroidery the texture, go around rooms in my house with a lint roller an collect and record in books the different fibres.  I also considered the idea of producing weaves and sticking to different adhesive surfaces on white  boards and seeing whats left behind

. 

At home I acted on my ideas that I gathered from mouldable plastics and my talk with tutor about where  to progress these ideas. I went round my house with a lint roller producing 3 textures from 3 rooms. From this I photographed them and collected them in small booklets. Using the textured pieces of sheeny paper I have torn up and cut up producing layered shapes. From this I have the textures and planning on producing small embroidery and weaves from these samples. I am also thinking how can I make a larger surface? can I produce my own sticky surface? and can I create my own fibres?

At the studio in the morning session we had a narrative workshop cutting a piece of text to re-order to produce a new sentence. From the same text I cut  up and collages the images producing an interesting composition. Then we had to incorporate our FMP research for this I layered some pieces of my lint roller and using newspapers I collected the letter S for stickers and woven images of similar textures.  The objective for this task was to explore new ideas and narratives that we have not considered, new ways of researching. I found the task didn't really work for me I like what I created and resembles my research but I believe it to be disruptive in my routine and plans I had set for the day. Furthermore, it didn't affect my narrative or spark any fresh ideas. In the afternoon I went onto embroidery and reading a book on slow stitch. Stitching is considered relaxing and controlled, using this as a method to take my mind on the anxieties I have surrounding stickers.

At the studio using a guidance sheet to improve my reflection and research for my final major project. I noticed areas where I need to add, for example more writing surrounding the images I chose and need to a review a gallery visit. I clarified the need for improvement with a partner who I showed my workflow to and he showed his for inspiration and to help each other to find areas of improvement.  I will make these changes and use this improvement throughout the project. 

From the embroidery samples I have been given the idea to explore stitching onto tape after seeing an image of textiles artist Hannah Lamb. I am hoping these patterns from the embroidery can be transformed into weaves in which I will experiment with adhesive surfaces. 

At home I decided to make changes to my workflow through changing the layout and adding further descriptions of the photos I have chosen following on from yesterdays workflow crit with a partner. Sorting this out will allow me to continue adding my research in an organised layout and depth I wan to achieve.

At home I produced a new page focusing for a moment just on a lint roller piece of the breadcrumbs and yellow yarn fibres. I wanted to explore a new technique of weave. I wanted to begin with producing only a small sample with embroidery threads. I just wanted to see if weaving should be the next step I should approach as thus far hasn't been to constructive more surface. I aim to visit the kimono exhibition at the V&A for unexpected inspiration.

I visited the Kimono exhibition at the V&A. Even though the the theme doesn't line up with my project I did find it inspiring for colours and patterns and embroidery. When looking closely to the kimonos surface I focused on the layering techniques of print and stitch. The neat and perfect embroidery must have taken painstaking hours to complete to the beautiful finished design. This reminded me of the slow stitch. Alongside the content of the exhibition I thoroughly enjoyed the layouts, from room to room and the changes in themes. The final room I loved most the high ceilings of white emphasises all the multicoloured kimonos. I find this similar to how I like to present my works white dominant pages with the coloured works appropriately placed.

When I returned home I began Producing a larger scale weave inspired by the smaller quick prototype. The pattern was inspired by a strip of lint roller which collected bread particles. What I plan to do with this weave is pull it apart from a sticky piece of card and Velcro. 

At the studio had a full weave workshop day. In the morning I chose an lint sample to translate into a sample weave, using white and yellow yarns. I was focusing mostly on the fibres I had collected. A technique I used to create this is tying tassels and trimming to produce a soft and fluffy surface. 

In the afternoon I found the second part of this workshop really helpful and interesting. We had to pair up and exchange our weaves. We explained our project and how the weaves link to our projects. I worked on my partners weaves transforming them into 3D forms and added textures. Whilst I did this my partner added different threads and tape samples. I was really thankful and was really interested in what she produced for me. I loved the colour scheme and the layering technique she created with tracing paper this wasn't something I had considered and plan to look into this. I also plan to heat press and produce more tangible samples.For example producing pieces that have more structure after having a chat with a tutor they suggested I have a lot of 2D not enough 3D.

on my independent study I wanted to experiment with a range of techniques to see if they are worth continuing. 

I began with heat pressing with an iron melting plastic with pieces of lint roller entrapped in between the layers. I chose plastic and the idea of entrapment following yesterdays task of swapping weaves and my partner created a layered paper piece trapping left over threads. After speaking to a tutor they suggested making more tangible and 3D form rather than sticking it flat. Using these samples I stitched onto using a sewing machine and hand stitch. I was surprised by the way they turned out creating a more structured piece thus far I have mainly produced flat textures.Following this I noticed yesterday that I wasn't keen on the white yarn I felt it looked to stark and cheap so I decided to stain it to an off-white using brown and yellow acrylic paint in water. I also wanted to test an idea of resin. I wanted to create my own mould so I used fimo and pressed yarns and velcro into the fimo then poured resin into the mould I created. These were only very small samples but they came out fluffy due to some of the yarn getting stuck. It was interesting because they were similar to the mouldable plastic I had previously produced. I was thinking that I wouldn't take this technique further but I would like to see them enlarged using a projector. I then noticed a gap in one of my pages, I wanted to mono print with some of my tape samples to see what I can produce. The results were highly textured but they weren't totally clear on what they represented but I found they worked well with the gap I was trying to fill.

At the studio in the morning session we were shown a demonstration how to arm knit, I found this useful to refresh my memory and to enable me to explore larger scale as so far has been very small scale. I then produced two sample knits using needles. I used one of the knits to collect fibres from the floor, acting like a sticky side of a sticker. I did think that having these full day workshops quite restrictive as I find it hard to get on with my narrative which I began to feel has gotten a bit lost. Even though they broaden my technical skills and development and have found ways to combine them with my FMP. In addition to this, the workshop enabled me to collaborate with my peers producing works and techniques I have may not considered for example placing on the body.

At the studio I began with drawings of one of my arm knits focusing on the fibres. In the afternoon I followed up with a tutorial with a tutor where I aim to progress my project which I found really useful. I also played around with the project enlarging my resin pieces. I couldn't clearly see them but I photographed them with the light behind showing up the details in the resin.

When I got Home I wanted to mould with latex. I tried for a first attempt by placing one of my knit samples into the silicone mould looking forward to the results. I also filled this sheet, stating what materials I plan to use most materials will be based on adhesives from blue tack to glue. I also has to state colours. I like the white background colour this allows the fibres to show better.

My latex covered knit dried. Having never worked with latex before the result was unexpected. The knit managed to absorb the latex liquid creating a rubber sample where the fibres have become silicone like. The result does remind me of a piece of bread which does quit revolt me eventhough it isn't sticky the texture is quite gross. However, because I have never used this technique I don't know how to progress with it but I did like sample (in a weird way). To go next to it I want to produce another identical knit to do a comparison of texture.

I also updated my action plan clearly stating my plan to when I Finnish.  

At home I went to a hardware store to collect a few adhesives that I aim to test on their strength and effect when I peel off a range of yarns and woven or knitted materials. I rated my first and second adhesive tests latex and blue tack. I found the latex ineffective on the sticky side of the research but I did like the rubber knit I ended with. I also created a second one which I waiting to dry placing velcro and fibres to see what texture that produces knowing it won't be sticky but it might lead to a different narrative. I also tested blue tack on a knit pulling and collecting fibres I found successful but It didn't cause enough damage on the knit I am hoping for a sticky surface covered in a texture with the weave or knit not intact. 

Tomorrow I aim to to test glues and try out different materials to weave with e.g Velcro paper 

I produced a second latex sample this time just placing a Velcro strip that had collected yarn fibres. The texture of the latex on the velcro loops is quite rough and highly textured contrasted against the surrounding rubbery latex. I again weirdly like this sample and continued to be unexpected but I think this test will not be developed as It doesn't fit with the sticky adhesive theme I'm exploring but I it was worth the test. 

The first adhesive material I trialled is Latex. Filling a square mould with a knit and pouring liquid latex on top I wasn't sure what was the out come going to be I assumed it would be a rubber square with parts of the knit exposed.

once fully dried after two days I found the knit to have been coated and absorbed the latex. Producing a rubber knit. The latex dried clear which I was again unclear about but I did like the result. Even though, this process does not represent a sticky surface it does still present the fibres of the yarns they have sort of become fossilised and it is still quite a unsettling texture.(does smell which is a downer) also It does revolt me.

I have tried a second attempt encasing a Velcro strip with yarns stuck in the hooks I just wanted to test it again. As I do like the process and the rubbery sample that is produced. 

•  Suitable for coating and encasing
• not suitable for sticking and attaching
• does smell
• produces rubber result
• very tough
• sticky rating 0, Durable rating 7, tare rating 0, Does it revolt me rating 4

My second tacky texture is blue tack. I tested by creating a small knit that becomes quite fluffy when being pulled by the needles producing looser fibres. I pressed and peeled then wrapped the knit around the blue tack pulling all the loose fibres off the yarns.

The result is very similar to tape however, the yarns become more embedded in the material also produces in prints of the fibres that didn't come off creating a very textured surface that I find resembles the pubic hair badges by rotting dean Bazaar. I have tried out this technique but I find it isn't strong enough and there isn't much much tension when being pulled. I am not a fan of blue tack as it often leaves marks and always dotted on walls.

• Tacky good for attaching materials to surfaces
• does collect fibres (do have to press hard)
• has a colour
• Malleable 
• can tear  
  • Sticky rating 2, Durable rating 5, tare rating 2, does it revolt me rating 2

At home I created two more adhesive tests.

I tested spray mount and Velcro. Even though Velcro isn't a sticky adhesive I wanted to test it as a more man made technical method of sticking and attaching. I also find Velcro collects fibres quite easily due to the strong plastic hooks. To test these two adhesives I produced two small knits, as they are quicker to produce than weaves however  after these for tests I find knits are to structured and are tougher on the adhesive I think to move forward I might try weaves and materials other than yarns as it might get to repetitive and I might find the same results each time. 

I bought new yarns I chose yarns that are quite fibrous and have easy fallout as I find yarns I already have are quite tight and the are not creating enough fibres. (which is not helpful for my intentional experiments)

Moving forward I am going to gradually get onto testing tougher adhesives may explore patterns and embroidery with hopefully interesting results from these material tests.

Next of my testing list was photo mount spray. I applied onto my book and placed my knit on top and left for a minute to dry. I then peeled off which surprisingly was really easy (fell off). It did leave some fibres on the page not too many and there was no damage to the knit. The spray is clear and does nit leave a mark which helps to show up the fibres that have been caught by the adhesive. It isn't really that sticky so it doesn't freak me out as much as I had thought.

• Clear no marks
• does collect very minor fibres
• no damage to the knit
• Sticky rating 1, durable rating 0 , tare rating 0, does it revolt me 0

My fourth test was Velcro. I weaved Velcro strips and produced and orange test knit. I chose orange so the fibres are visible on the hooks. I placed the knit on top and pulled which I found was really stiff and a tougher pull as the hooks had all caught on each of the yarns. Not to many fibres were caught which I was very surprised about to to the strength of the hooks. There were some yarns in the knit that had been pulled out of place or damaged. This adhesive method isn't sticky like the rest of the adhesives i'm testing but It is alternate method of attaching or fixing. It isn't sticky so it doesn't affect me at all when I touch it so It does not count as a part of my fear.

• Very strong attatchment 
• does not break 
• collects minimal fibres
• can damage materials
• Sticky rating 0, durable 8, Tare rating 8, does it revolt me 0

In the morning I produced 3 test weaves. I wanted to do weaves as I find knits are too constructed and it's hard to tell the strength of the adhesive.  I also woven with fibrous yarns hoping for these to make more interesting results than I have produced so far. I tested loctite extreme glue which didn't work initially but I decided to try again and leave the weave for 15 minutes before removing. This tore the weave into two pieces the fluffier yarn had become completely stuck to the glue. The second trial was hot glue from a glue gun due to it's quick drying and had to apply to the paper surface and press the weave rather quickly. When I pulled it off it was the toughest and hardest to pull completely breaking up my weave. I produced another weave and recorded myself testing again as I wanted to show how hard it was to break free the sample.

I have one more adhesive test which I then will translate into drawing and paintings and embroidery pieces.

This extreme glue was not as extreme as I thought it would be. I found it to be quite slippery at first the weave would just come off intact with a sticky surface. So I decided to put more glue down an leave the weave on top and left to dry for 10 minutes. This produced more interesting more of an result. Half of the weave was still intact whilst the thicker and fluffier yarn stuck onto the glue. This was better than I expected as the first trial was not an extreme glue. It did leave a sticky surface with fibres stuck did set me off unlike the others.

• Have to wait to dry for it to work
• clear
• leaves a sticky layer on weave
• does work on fluffy surfaces
• have patience 
• Sticky rating 5, durable rating 5, Tare rating 2, does it revolt me 6
• 

This has been the most successful adhesive test so far. The hot glue dries quickly and when the weave was pressed onto the glue it really clung onto the fibres, making it extremely hard for me to pull from the paper. When trying to remove the weave from the glue it completely broke the weave and did collect some fibres from the yarns. The glue wasn't sticky as it dries under 10 seconds, which made it not a problem for me unlike the loctite glue.

• Super strong
• Will destroy weave
• does dry quickly
• collects fibres
• clear
• can tear paper
• Sticky rating  3, Durable rating 8, tare rating  10, does it revolt me 4

In the morning I paused from testing adhesives and wanted to explore scale as suggested during my tutorial. As I had already created refined shapes from my three small resin tests. Using these shapes I cut them into lino and printed onto a large rectangle sheet. Once I dried I hung on my wall I wanted to try and represent the feeling of being surrounded by these shapes like stickers on the wall, imagining if everywhere around me was this pattern could get quite overwhelming. I am not sure this was successful but I like the concept of placing on the wall and the idea of it surrounding me.  In the afternoon I produced another small weave on a sheet of paper using a 2 in 1 epoxy resin glue. I have to wait until tomorrow morning to see if it works as it has to dry in order for it to work.

Today I was able to see if the epoxy resin glue worked. I started to pull realising it was very stiff. So as I pulled off I recorded my struggle. I managed to remove most of it apart from like the others the fluffy textured yarn. This glue collected the most fibres and still damaged the weave which had been the most successful. 

I went for a walk in the afternoon (escaped) and came across teasel which my dad said has been used to brush felt so I thought I could try this out one a final weave even though it isn't an adhesive It would be interested to see a natural process of collected fibres? and now from these tests I want to create drawings in different mediums in which I will translate into embroidery. 

Following up from the hot glue this has been the most effective test. I had to mix the epoxy resin and the hardener before applying it to the paper this was a bit of a faff but worth the results.  When I first placed the weave onto the mixture It was really wet similar to extreme glue I decided to wait overnight before taring off to get the full effect out of the glue. In the morning I just pulled gently to see the weave had stuck on good. When I started to tare off (which was incredibly hard) I managed to pull most of it off resulting in lots of fibres being caught in the glue aswell as yarns. Even though, I had wait over night the result was worth it!!! very sticky and remained sticky in areas once peeled off left a sticky surface on the weave which I hated.

• Long wait worth it 
  • have to mix glues messy
• clear
• collects lots of fibres
• damages weave 
• very strong
• Sticky rating 7, durable 9, tare 10, does it revolt me 9

Been sent a workshop to do at home looking at 3D sculpture translating it to the body or a space, and to produce drawings. I wasn't sure how I could relate this to my work and how I could put it to use but I may come back to this task later on in the project when I may want to consider space and context. Instead I wanted to  do my final material  test. I tested the teasel which I collected yesterday. I am aware a teasel is not an adhesive or in any way sticky but I was told they were used to brush fabrics. I produced a small sample knit and brushed the teasel on the surface. The yarns became fluffy and the teasel collected the fibres. I  found it interesting to test a material that was natural and not a man made mixture.

From this I created more mark making  drawings this is a helpful activity as this is what I will translate into stitches.

Now I have finished my material testing I will begin to translate them into embroidery pieces.

Scale Workshop

focusing on scale I began very small embroidery square based n my last torn weave. I kept it very simple as it was so small and when I thought about enlarging I have a lack of materials to make a large piece. This small embroidery piece I stuck in areas of my house much like a sticker to present it's scale. I then with only material I had enlarged this sample. I found this a useful task to see if small or large is effective. I believe I had lot more of the smaller samples with a more intricate embroidery, and displayed them on the wall it would cover a larger area giving the feeling of large scale. The large version I am not happy with it and I do find it hard to work in a larger scale so I tried it but I wont produce a large scale piece. 

I also created a larger scale weave and stuck it to fabric using the most successful adhesives I hope to use this as my cover of my non sticky sticker album.

I have started to create my non sticky sticker album. I have created the cover and a few embroidery samples. The embroidery samples will be based on mark making from my adhesive tests, as a visual record of these experiments. The cover is made of fabric like the pages and the covers surface texture is rough from the dried glue where I stuck a weave onto an pulled off leaving lose fibres and an unsettling texture. I've done this as I believe it will continue the narrative of fibres on a sticky surface. As I don't want this embroidery piece to be unclear. 

I followed on from yesterday creating more embroidery samples from my adhesive tests. These embroidery samples are more abstract forms but I am focusing on the shapes and texture created from my adhesive tests. So far I have embroidered on squares I think tomorrow I would create shaped patches as the squares may get dull and repetitive. Furthermore, In the book I have left spaces and stitched an outline for an intended sticker I was thinking about what sticker albums look like before getting filled with stickers they have boxes which are meant to be filled. 

Following, on from the thought of creating shaped patches. I started creating small stitches on circles. I think this really added some more interest to the book and became more like a sticker album. I am concerned if my embroidery samples relate enough to my adhesive tests. Because of the situation I am limited to materials and embroidery colours so I am trying to stick to my minimal tones instead of a  random colour palette. I also added more fibres to the surface on my albums cover as I wanted to intensify I my dislike of a sticky texture.

I finished my embroidery sticker album. Ultimately I am pleased with the results, I am unsure whether the embroidery swatches are a clear link to my adhesive tests but I did want them to be a more abstracted version. I resulted in creating a 'sticker album' when I looked back at my research of the uses of stickers. The embroidery samples are stuck down with velcro so they can be taken out of the book this will enable me to lay them out and photograph them as a supporting element. I started to play around on Photoshop using the basic skills to layer my imagery of my samples. This was successful as I do really enjoy photography and applying this technique with my work. 

As my book is complete I do feel compelled to produce small supporting pieces and I feel dissatisfied with it on it's own. Looking back through my book I want to see if there are any elements I could develop. I thought I could revisit latex briefly which I plan to stitch onto it's surface. Whilst waiting for the latex to dry  I printed out my Photoshop images and collage them. I planned to mono print a part of my weave onto it's surface but the result wasn't how I wanted it to turn out. I plan to try more Photoshop to see if my supportive pieces can be photographs of close up fibres or a pattern print.

Today I wanted to manipulate my latex sample. I wanted to add fibres to it's surface. I decided to felt it's surface creating a soft texture to a section of the latex. I really liked how it came out this method really depicts the fibres left behind when I tested my adhesives. I have done this as thus far I focused on how adhesives have captured fibres like how a back of a sticker does but I want to produce a way of creating tangible samples creating the same effect. 

Furthermore, it also created a contrast of textures I asked my mum what she thought when she held it, she reacted to the latex first, she believes it's a gross texture.I also using an image of my embroidery patches from my book I printed the image out and cut into shapes derived from the embroidery sample.I then placed these collage back into the Photoshop and played with colour and layering. I found these results really interesting and I would like to continue exploring these shapes and Photoshop.

 

 

Following on from the latex I thought I could create 2 other samples trapping felt fibres, to create a triptych. My second sample I wanted to try plaster. Pouring the plaster mixture into the same size square. I wanted to plan my next material to trap fibres in, due to the white tones on plaster I am thinking of trying wax. 

I feel like I am coming close to having my finished samples. I would like potentially to explore a more 3D sample to show more diversity in my samples as thus far has been very flat. I will have to think about how I can do this and still relate it to my embroidery book and three tiles. 

I created a wax tile. I was really happy with the results and it looks really cohesive with the plaster and latex.  I think next I would like to create a three dimensional version as I believe I have mainly focused on two dimensional. 

Following the production of those three tiles I wanted to produce a sculptural piece as I have found thus far has been very flat. Creating three tiles out of wax as I liked the slight translucency, in each square I placed felt creating a texture to the wax's surface. In the centre slab I had yarns going through it's centre. Between each layer I trapped fibres, yarns, threads. The yarns created shapes very similar to my embroidery drawings. When I pull the layers apart the yarns in between stretch much like how the yarns pulled from the weave against the adhesive.

To create this piece had to create 3 tiles out of wax. First I made the two outer pieces, to add colour and texture using a silicone mould. I first laid out pieces of felt fibres and arranged them so when I poured the liquid wax into the mould and left to dry the results will not be seen until so, which I found the most exciting part. I was really pleased with the results and found the fibres that have been placed and have become entrapped in the wax really satisfying and reminded me of my mouldable plastic samples. The fibres appear trapped in a milky liquid with a really smooth surface which contrasts with the yarns and fibres I plan to place in between layers.

For the next step I created my own mould out of cardboard in order to create the centre slab. I wanted threads to go through the wax so the structure is stronger when I go onto connecting the three wax samples. This also enables the centre piece to remain stationary. This process was quite difficult as creating my own mould set me back a bit when the wax melted the hot glue but the final result I was proud of.

Once the three pieces where dry I connected them by placing old yarns threads and felt fibre. I wanted to this as when I have connected the pieces I can pull the layers apart, like how I pull a weave off an adhesive surface and see the fibres stretch. I made sure the fibres where attached to the wax through using a lighter lightly melting the wax which attached itself to the loose yarns. I found using wax useful and It's a material that can be re-melted to re form, It also quite transparent. 

The final result I was able to photograph It did prove to be quite difficult trying to capture each of the layers but I used string to lift the wax layers and was able to remove the string using Photoshop to enable the audience to focus more on the object. If I was able to recreate this I would want to create a larger scale version. As the scale that I have created Is only manageable for what I could produce at home. If I was to produce it larger scale I would put supporting structure going through the layers so they can remain permanently apart exposing the fibres in between layers.