Unit X- Lines Of Enquiry/Investigation

Throughout the last few weeks I have been focused on researching coral bleaching and understanding the environmental/physical changes surrounding the Great Barrier Reef. 

By consistently arranging group meetings, the majority of our group have been able to contribute newly established information, materials and exciting concepts in order to keep one-another motivated and fully invested in our chosen topic. 

When initially being set the brief, and after many discussions, our group decided on basing our work on the process and outcomes of coral bleaching; as well as considering the contributing factors behind it. The documentary shown by MMU’s environmental team ‘A Plastic Ocean’ became an integral part of our groups findings as it explained first-hand the detrimental effect that humans have on our oceans, and what situations we will have to deal with in the future if our disposable nature continues. Although this information source was a general approach to the mistreatment of our oceans relating to the mass production of plastics, many of the issues visited were relevant in causing the process of coral bleaching to take place. 

I personally began responding by experimenting with the process of digital and screen print. By using bright tones and abstract prints, then essentially 'covering' them up with black and white motifs I concentrated on the concepts of coral bleaching being ignored and overlooked by society. 

Using black and white motifs to 'cover up' the vibrant background 

Experimenting with black backgrounds and neon motifs

Adapting prints in photoshop to replicate the beginning of coral bleaching

Although I have been incorporating puff binder within layered prints to add textural value, I now intend to develop this concept further by experimenting with embroidery techniques such as tufting in order to add a dramatic dimensional quality to my samples, and further delving into the truths of the disintegrating reefs.

In our group, I believe we are responding to the collaboration element both literally and conceptually. In a literal sense, we have swapped samples in order to inject further interest into the surface and texture. This has been successful in many cases due to many group members, particularly myself, understanding new processes and techniques that have never been considered before. One group member specialising in embroidery has begun stitching over the top of one of my print samples using specialist machinery in order to develop my individual concept of ‘covering up’ the bleaching process in a more sophisticated and perhaps unconventional method. I have also began digital printing one of my group members weave samples which creates an interesting textural backdrop to print on to. 

Megan Burton's weave sample edited on photoshop to create a tonal
digital design.

In conceptual terms, examples relate to the fact that most of us have been considering the construct of the materials we are using due to beginning to understand weave and knit structures, and therefore have become more confident and experimental with not working on plain backgrounds, but instead using materials with ridges or textural patterns within their fibres. By sharing ideas, we have all seemed to adapt to a much more relaxed style of mark-making which I believe has responded well to our topic, and connected our work together.

In the next few weeks, in order to round up our collaborative group work, we intend to keep on schedule and within the given time constraints. Starting to arrange our board for the ‘Eighth Day Café’ and continuing to collaborate and connect with each other frequently will be the most important factors in the upcoming week.