Material Exploration

STRING

-What are some traditional uses of string?

Embroidering, crocheting, knitting, weaving, needle point..

-What are some nontraditional ways you might use string?

I am planning to combine traditional uses in nontraditional ways. For example, my first piece will be an embroidered design on canvas rather than cloth or clothing. I also hope to learn new ways to stiffen string in order to create sculptures from the material without using wire.

-Why are you choosing string?

One of my goals this semester is to use materials that I already have. I looked through everything and decided that I have bought string throughout the years and barely touched it. I thought it would be a nice change from such demanding materials (glass, wood, metal). Many fellow students I have talked with have explained knitting, embroidering, etc. to be time consuming but meditative. I can still incorporate the more demanding materials if I get bored with just string.

-What are some potential problems you might face?

I could possibly get bored pretty quickly. Also I could find that the time it takes to create something with string is more time than I can commit to. I don't have a lot of experience with many of the techniques I mentioned earlier, so it will take a lot of patience to learn them.

-Exactly what kind of string are you using?

I have a ton of embroidery thread, hemp, and yarn. I am also considering creating my own string from things like paper, cut fabric, and plastic.

-I have spoken with fellow students who have more experience in this and similar materials. I find it more helpful to speak with them and learn from them rather than using a book.

-Thus far, I am finding myself short on concrete ideas to work on. I know how I want to use string but I don't necessarily know what I want the finished product to look like. I am just trying to go with the flow and truly experience the material as it is, and figure out the possibilities as I go along. I have only started the first piece (embroidering on canvas) so I feel like I have a long way to go before I know the potential of the material.