Shannon Marie Ann Johnston

Art student @Ulster University studying: Textile Art, Design and Fashion

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Personal Photographs

I felt an urge to get my camera of the shelf and felt that it would be important for me to visit some locations and build on my photography skills. I also wanted to include some of my own images in weave workshop to make my work more personal and meaningful. I took photos at three locations at my house included some shots of the farm, the second location being Cranfield in Kilkeel and the third location was Galway, including the Kylemore Abbey. I was impressed with the locations I got to visit however I was quite disappointed to find Kylemore Abbey was under construction.

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Self directed study/learning

In preparation for my next workshop I decided that I should carry out some research and have a look at some books to have a better understanding for my weave workshop. I found the Selvedge magazines very useful and had great pieces of work and artists for inspiration.

I found the images very eye catching and how they used the colours sourced from the photographs in the weaves. Immediately I feel like the light bulb has lit! Unlike in my previous workshop where it felt almost like a chore I didn’t want to do and I kept avoiding it. (Images from Selvedge magazine)

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Embroidery Workshop

At first we started with hand embroidery, I found it very tedious if I am honest. However after experimenting with different stitches and materials I found a few hand stitches, such as the four sided stitch which I continued to experiment with.

Learning to use the sewing machine- at first I was keen and enthusiastic about using a sewing machine to draw with, however it wasn’t as easy as what I anticipated. I constantly was fixing the machine and found it very frustrating for the first week or two on the sewing machine and was giving up hope. Eventually after a lot of practice and many failed attempts I found myself beginning to enjoy using the sewing machine and my work was starting to look a bit more presentable. I found my rhythm and began to produce work I was content with. In reflection of this first workshop I found it difficult to adapt to and found it challenging to adjust to the self-directed learning and working, I hope to work on this area in my next workshop. If I had the opportunity to work in this workshop again I feel that I would be more prepared after learning the required skills. Also I would ensure to spend more time on my work as I felt I rushed a lot of my pieces due to bad time management skills.

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Drawing day @ulster museum

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Drawing to music 🎶

Week 3- I found this exercise was extremely therapeutic, i found myself relaxed in my environment for the first time from I have started this course! I was very pleased with my mark making results from this exercise! I continued to listen to music and draw in my own free time at home.

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Colour Week

Week 2- We enjoyed a induction to colour in the form of a workshop, this was very enjoyable! I learned so much about colour this week including complimentary colours and how to use a colour wheel correctly! I feel that this information will help me to select a more professional selection of colour in my work from now on. This was followed with a lecture which I gained a clear understanding how colour is used in the Textile and fashion Industry.

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First Pop Up Project !

I felt that this week went far to fast! This course is very fast pace compared to ALevel Art. I experimented with new techniques this week which was quite fun and worked on a pop up project called ‘Deeds Not Words’ some of my work was selected for the Fashion and Freedom exhibition. I am overwhelmed that pieces of my work have been selected!

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First Day

Reflecting on my first week at uni, I was quite nervous on my first day not knowing anyone. We spent the day in workshops getting know other students who where in the same position as myself! We paired up in groups of two and got to know each other better! Here’s a portrait of me my new friend James made.