Mellisa Ward: February 2011

This blog became a mixture of the projects I have done, which I believe sums me up, I am often described as a 'mixed bag'. Included in this blog is my first attempt at felt making for the project titled 'Sturm Und Drang'. I found the process really interesting and felt positive about the outcome, especially the dramatic and stormy colours that came out in the felt. Aside from the gloomy colour palette of that project, something I like to incorporate into my work is colour and a sense of quirkiness; I believe that this is shown in my book art, stylized drawing and my postcards. I loved giving my postcards the theme of travel as it is something that I am interested in and the final outcome led me into another project - 'Bon Voyage'. This was my favourite project to date, because I feel as though I have finally shown who I am through a textiles project; I loved the colour palette and enjoyed making intricate rosettes and ribbon bows, as well as incorporating images relating to vintage travel in to my designs.
In the past I have struggled to find a subject that I may want a career in, however over the past year Textile Design and Fashion have quickly become my main focus and I can honestly say that I have finally discovered the direction that I want to go in. Fashion is something that I am truly passionate about, it excites me and will always be a part of my life. Textiles is something that I really do enjoy, it is something that I can get lost in for hours on end and it is a subject in which there is so much more to know and that I look forward to learning.

I am mostly inspired by the world around me, including nature and technology as it grows. I have a real love for history and that has lead to my love of antiques and vintage clothing.
I am interested in studying Textiles in Practice so that I can continue to grow and gain knowledge within the subject; I would like to learn as many processes as possible and eventually find my own strengths and hopefully make a solid and enjoyable career within the subject. I have chosen this course because it is process led and I believe that this is the best way of experimenting and developing your own style of design.