exploring greenolive

a work in progress

I've narrowed it down a bit. Action item 19 from my to-do list I mean. (If this doesn't make sense, read previous post!)

From I-can-make-and-do-lots-of-things (not painting or illustration!) to I can make pieced fabric scarves and knitted scarves.

I need a medium that exploits my love of texture and sense of colour. I was told at an early age that I can't draw. (Not by mum and dad but some horrid primary school art teacher. Apparently my still life with pineapple wasn't realistic enough. Well, I topped my grade 12 art class and graduated from art college. That showed them didn't it! The fact that it was graphic design and not illustration or fine art is not really relevant is it?)

So instead of paint, ink, pencil, paper and canvas, I use fabric, yarn, thread and notions. These materials also appeal to my very tactile nature. I'm always feeling and touching things.

So far I've made three types of scarf designs. (Why scarves? That's another post. And yes, there is a story involved!)

Number 1: Pieced fabric scarf

Sorry the photo isn't great, I did these when I was just starting to get to know the digital camera. I could also blame the lack of light in winter perhaps.

This design evolved from the need to pad out my design folio with some textile work. The idea had been rattling around in my head for ages and subconsciously I had been collecting fabrics to execute it for quite awhile. I was preparing for an interview for part-time study in RMIT's studio textiles course. (In case you are wondering, I did get in.) It was the day before the interview and I decided to make this scarf. (I've told you before that I'm very good with deadlines!)

It was the first one I made. I was really happy with it, and the finished piece was even better than I had envisaged. I'm about to make up a batch in charcoal, navy and chocolate. Think traditional menswear colours, fabrics and patterns. Then add a hint of colour to spice things up. The backing is a plain, understated crepe fabric.

Number 2: Stripy thing

This was the original Stripy Thing, circa 2004. It evolved out of my love of knitting scarves lengthways on circular needles. And a bunch of silver grey yarns I'd been collecting. I just loved all the different shades and textures and I wanted to wear all of them together. It was a bit like painting with yarns instead of pigments. Since then I've made several variations of Stripy Thing. I've also broken the self-imposed one-colour restiction with the latest one, I call it Rhubarb Stripy Thing. (I realised it shared the same colours as a bunch of ruhbarb.)

So far all Stripy Things have been knitted in garter stitch, but I suppose I could crochet them too.

Number three: Entangled thing

This design is the most recent and is a progression of the linear nature and multi-yarn features of Stripy Thing. However I think it exploits both characteristics even more. I create (knit or crochet) long thing strips of five different yarns. Playing with the colour and texture combinations and deciding which five get to play together is the most enjoyable bit for me. I then attach them together in one place, allowing the five strips the dangle independently down each side. As you wear it, tossed, knotted, whatever, they all move about entangling and creating a sense of movement. Don't you just love the word entangled?

So what do you think? Uniquely greenolive enough? Which would would you buy in my soon-to-be-set-up Etsy and madeit shops? Perhaps a custom order is what you are after?

Comments

[Gitte]

ooohhh, this is lovely!

[Amelia]

ooh, i do like the pieced fabric scarf. red and monochrome, so lovely together.

[greenolive]

Hi Nora – I'm conducting market research, which of the designs "speaks" to you and would you be prepared to part with cash for? And thanks for the comments.

[Nora]

I love your colour combinations too. Beautiful work.

[greenolive]

Hi Lucinda – thanks for the feedback. The Stripy Things are certainly getting the most feedback. I'm working on a way for you to buy. Might have to make another grey Stripy Thing just for you – I can't part with the original!

[Lucinda J]

While I am extremely attracted to the mix of textures with your third scarf - I can imagine running my hand over them --- My first purchase would be your original stripey thing! I can really imagine a good feeling with that draped around my neck and I love the colors you're using. Now all I need is a way to buy it! I look forward to seeing your progession with your to do list :0) and add my encouragement! sincerely, lucyellen06 (flickr) Lucinda J. (plain old me)