Using thread, i created some prints by dipping the threads in ink then placing it on a page and closing the book. Then i pulled the thread out creating interesting lines and shapes. This works best when the thread has already been used once, otherwise there is too much ink to create the fainter lines that create the effect on the page. The symmetrical pages remind me of ink blots that have hidden images in them. The darker markings on the page look like a man jumping on a stick, usually the fainter markings look like flower petals.
I like the use of thread and how that creates the darkest lines when placing it on the page. This technique is uncontrollable for what the outcome would appear like, making the whole process improvised. However, i would like to build this up by using more colours on one area and trying different ways to place the thread on the page. I could try different background, for instance materials such as fabric or different colours to see how the ink acts on them. Lastly, i could also try using paint and see how the colours mix if two are being pulled at the same time. I really enjoy this technique however i think my experiments are very plain and some areas a little messy. I really like how it creates symmetrical images and could use this as an advantage in future. I think i should try developing this technique, especially to see the different shapes and markings i can create on the page.
Earlier on i discovered the artists Michala Gyetvai and was very fascinated by her artwork. I wanted to have an attempt at sewing on felt like her artwork. However, i wasn't able to complete the felting and didn't get much time to sew a detailed image on it. With the short time i had i sewed a few lines on the felt and found it very soothing, as if i was sewing into a cloud. I followed the grey lines with my thread and thought the straight lines reminded me of astrology zodiac star lines. It would've been nice to have built these threads up so they stood out more boldly in the felt. This quick experiment does not look at all similar to Gyetvai but i'm glad i had a quick go as i would definitely like to try to create an actual image working with the felting as background. I also like the idea of the star lines, or simple detail on the felt for instance using black for the background then sewing white star details to create the astrology lines.
In a quick experiment i had a go at using wire to create a weed flower. Shaping the wire was difficult especially for the head as i had to loop it around, i couldn't get the wire to create a round head like the weed would appear. Additionally, i would need to build up the wire of the stem for it to be able to support the head. Then i wrapped a clear fabric around the head but couldn't get it to stay in place.
I like the use of wires and cooperating them into my work however i struggled with just using wire and do not like the outcome of this experiment as it looks a mess. On the next page i wrote out some lyrics from a song called "Weeds" by Marina and the Diamonds as i like including song lyrics in my work. I also wondered if i could pick them apart and create a title for my final piece. I felt the lyrics were not close enough to the actual topic that i was exploring, "needs to be cut at the root" could be tied in as a way to say that people should not be suffering with this unhealthy mentality and need to cut out society's expectations. However, i decided i didn't want to use words in my final piece and have the meaning be told by the images and allow the viewer to create their own views.
Weeds became an important symbol in my idea as if the weeds were the unhealthy ideas growing in a person's mind after being influenced by the media (which planted the seeds). I collected some basic weeds from my garden and the side of the paths on my way and back from college. I collected some leaves, dandelions, groundsel, buttercup, daisies and bluebells. I liked the idea of sewing or creating the images of weeds growing up like an unhealthy idea growing in the mind and creeping in unwanted. I wanted these weed images on fabric so decided to place some on a scrap of grey fabric i had from a cut up t shirt. 
I especially like how the white and yellow colours popped against the dark grey and believe this alone could be a simple piece, maybe paint the flowers on the fabric. That option sounds more reasonable as the flowers would die and crumble losing their bright fresh look. I stuck a price tag onto the page, connected to the grey fabric as it made me think about how the media sells and encourages their expectations through dieting, slim models etc. These toxic standards are shoved down people's throats to scam them from money as well as make people feel insecure and need to fit in. So for this piece to convey the idea of selling weeds i felt was quite fitting. This was a quick, improvised piece so lacks in some areas, for instance i stuck some random black thread to the page and didn't take into consideration their purpose and effect on the page. I could have built up the threads and create the basic shape of a human head to represent the mind through lines, to show the weeds growing in the mind. Furthermore, i dislike the use of tape to stick the flowers on. I would of prefered to have sewn them on but i knew the flowers would soon crumble so thought the tape would help hold the flowers longer.
I really like the simple collage created here and believe i could definitely develop this into a higher quality, complete piece of artwork. Additionally, i should try painting the weeds on the fabric then try sewing details over it like the artist Josefina Concha; using fabric and painting are my two favourite materials so attempting this would be very interesting.
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