Yes baby, I'm the bear.

Over the past three weeks, I went through three stages of research for the transition project: the unicorn -> the horn -> the twisted trees. I've worked hard for this project, in terms of research, however, research is still the weakest link. I think it's because I keep getting on different inspiration, therefore, I couldn't focus on one element and push it. One of the major reason is because I have two tutors for this project. One is the personal tutor, another is the group tutor. They have different points of view and approaches in developing ideas... Confusing indeed, but this is a very subjective field anyway.

Despite the chaos in my work and in my mind, I went to the Royal Botanic Gardens (Kew Gardens) for research. It turned out to be a great getaway from the city, where I can take in gently that Spring has finally come, and give the anxiety a rest. The Kew Gardens is a very historic and resourceful place. It reminds me to stay humble and be patient.

The Temperate House- Once the largest plant house in the world and now the world's largest surviving Victorian glass structure.

A random beautiful peacock takes a walk through the park...

Queen Charlotte's Cottage- It's just like the cottage in Sleeping Beauty.

A couple of my favourite scenes.

就是要一種豁出去的態度

After 2 weeks of intensive research and design development, this is the exact spirit I need to boost myself forward. Transition Project has by far been the most challenging project. Mostly because of the scale of it- it's a 5-week group fashion project, and at the beginning of next term, we will host a fashion show. The idea of sending my garment down to the runway is mental.

There are only 3 weeks left till Easter break. French A1C class is coming to an end gradually. I wonder how does the Erasmus go at this stage. Will I be in Paris in September or not?

Special thanks to my mentor director Chen.

A strong year indeed- CSM MA SHOW!

http://www.vogue.co.uk/fashion/autumn-winter-2012/ready-to-wear/central-saint-martins/full-length-photos

I'm Alive Because of You/ What I See Above

I dig out some of my foundation final project work for the Erasmus exchange. They looked so much fun and free. Btw, I checked out one of the SLR cameras from uni... it's rocking.

Collecting

One of the world's biggest collector goes to--- the museum! Because they are such maniac collector, we get the chance to look from past to present. I went to British Museum Africa room with Dr. Clare Rose in the previous term. She pointed out that the way they display each of their collection is thoughtfully designed. Either it's sorted by subject or theme or era. Objects/images are there in specific spots for a reason. They are there to inform you about the function, the story behind it, or simply help you to form an impression.
It's critical to judge if this is the "right" thing to do. For say, the sacred tomb stone from a tribe in Africa is placed in the corner of an "Africa room", where most of the viewers don't truly understand the significance of it while browsing through. On the other hand, without this platform, people don't have the opportunity to learn about different culture around the world. Besides, the acquisitions are taken care by trained specialist and scholars.

Usually I take in what I saw without questioning it. But, once I come to think of it, I edit the display of my work all the time. For example, my reflective journal. I collect all sorts of stuff: fabric swatches, tickets, flyers, notes, buttons, stickers... etc. Then I put them into my journal according to the relevance and aesthetics. (Blog goes hand in hand with this theory)
This is my third RJ. I find it so much fun and memorable, and that's what matters the most. : )

Inspired by trade between east and west in 1600

India used to produced the world's most exquisite and luxurious textiles. With cotton and cashmere, Indians used to call the shot in trading with the West. It has changed for a very long time. Most of the fabric shops in London are run by the Indians, but there are not one single Indian (Indian-British or Indian) in my year. Is it not a promising/desired career for them at all? I guess what they have seen back home in the factories made them intuitively want to pursue another career path. Such as, engineering or business.
Is it the same in Taiwan? We used to have a strong textile manufacture business, when land and labor cost much less than today. Therefore, people in general have an impression that who works for textile works in a factory. Which is not completely wrong, cause that is where the production takes place. But where is the room for textile designer? Studio concept in Taiwan isn't as established as it is here in London, where the market is bigger to sustain the business. However, most importantly, people respect your profession.
From my internship experience in a textile factory and an aboriginal textile workshop in the mountains back home last summer, I know that textile design is definitely one of the businesses that is suffering from the national development. But when the government and corporations are eager to "develop" our country, they forget/ignore that these cultural legacy can give a soft and beautiful side to Taiwan's identity.
I just saw a talk show on a Taiwanese TV programme by Mr.Wei-chung Wang(王偉忠) interviewing Ms. Wen-chien Chen (陳文茜) the other day. They were talking about setting up a better environment for the younger generation. This is a commitment that needs to be made by both generations. Hopefully one day, I can bring something back home.

Indian textile merchant, c1800, British Library

Reflective 200

This is the final week of technical blocks: Weave- Knit- Stitch- Print. I looked forward to this rotation when I was still in foundation. I knew this is the time when we are allow to try out new things, to have fun, to make mistakes, then finally, to decide what you want to specialise in. I set my heart on weave and knit before it started, but I know an open heart can take me to where is truthfully suited for me. Learning by doing- I did make lots of mistakes. From setting a theme to time management. Above all this, I am disappointed in my samples most of the time. But, this is the process I can never avoid, and I'm sure the future will be the same. So, a good sense of humour comes in handy anytime. : ) The key is- Work your ass off then hope some interesting work will come out eventually.

I like Fridays. It has been a knowledge nourishing day since the term started last year. We use it to take lectures and visit museums, such as, the trading between east and west in the 1600, postmodernism, material making, exoticism in design, the rise of brand; power of making at V&A, the african collection at British museum... etc. What I learn from theories makes me question the present. Not that I have never questioned it before. But the dilemma between art&design vs. commercial world and the greatness of globalisation vs. nasty capitalism bits has been bugging me more and more. As a creative maker, as a consumer, what can I do? The more I know, the tinier I am. The only thing I know is that I am proud of what I'm doing now.

My plan has stayed the same- be the best I can be at every stage. (Btw, there are more and more friends getting married these days. um. I'll stick to my plan for a bit longer.)

Pop Up 2- photo shoot

The tiny red wooden chair, the chair I made inspired by it, and a piece of work inspired by the chair I made. It's a shame that I didn't use any of these objects to develop in stitch and print. Photo shoot studio day was a great opportunity to experience the equipment we have at Chelsea. The work itself seems more professionally made. yay. Wroth booking it to shoot the other samples.