Visual Sensory Textiles- finalising
The above screenshot captures my four final length designs, which will also form my degree show piece. These lengths have been printed onto silver vinyl, (discussed and pictured within previous posts) to provide a mirrored effect. The silver vinyl has a backing which can be peeled away so that the lengths can be stuck to a space or wall to produce a wallpaper effect, therefore they are typically large wall stickers. In regards to the degree show they will hang exactly as they are pictured, in this order but with less space between each length. The general concept is interactive wallpaper. The silver vinyl visually represents a distorted mirror effect, and aims to automatically draw eyes in to determine the movement the person and the material creates together. Alongside this, the material is silver and shiny with patterns traced atop its surface, therefore the want to touch and feel may also be apparent. The durability of the vinyl allows the pieces to be handled in fairly non-delicate ways, therefore it is practical for tactile sensory needs. Amongst the silver the colour of the flowers and shadows are slightly more subtle than in the images above, however this means that the closer you are physically to each piece, the more clearer the details within the design become. Again this aims to engage the target audience in seeking out the colour and detail by physically bringing them closer to it, engaging them further in each piece as a whole and potentially encouraging them to touch and feel, and make use of the sensory qualities the design work holds.
The setting in which these designs would be appropriate has been addressed within previous posts, but they would typically be suitable within a sensory room environment, as well as a hospital setting. Last week I watched a programme on BBC iplayer called ‘Hospital’, and in one episode they showed the ceiling of one of Nottingham University Hospital’s Children’s wards, which was covered in bright, vibrant, large scale flowers. It made me think about how clearly I could envisage one of these vinyl designs in that exact setting, and how much difference having them on the wall, or even on the ceiling, would make to this kind of environment. The effect was really something, and the children took so much notice of the art work.
In regards to sensory rooms, https://thehamletcharity.org.uk state on their website that their sensory room ‘is an appropriate space for students who need a place to go where they can have minimal visual and auditory distraction.The space and equipment offer opportunities to stimulate learning and engagement which in turn promote independence and choice. Sensory integration activities can be brilliant as relaxation tools for individuals with all sorts of complex needs, including autism. Our sensory room has a wide range of equipment including a bubble wall, switches, vibration pads and much more. Visuals constitute the most diverse set of features: the room incorporates a projector that casts entrancing patterns, fibre optic interactive lights, coloured led lights, ball lights and a large bubble tube, which helps to create a calming and tranquil environment and can help to relieve stress and anxiety with its colourful gentle bubbling.’ [https://thehamletcharity.org.uk/our-services/young-adults-18-29/sensory-room/] Through reading the description The Hamlet Charity provide on their website, and through spending (literally hundreds) of hours in both of their sensory rooms, I can imagine perfectly, exactly how these pieces would fit into this kind of environment. I can see how the effects of these pieces could be enhanced if they were placed on a wall in front of a projector, with their flower patterns projected over the top of them, alternating in movement. I can imagine that the effect of them would be changed again, by projecting or shining different coloured lights onto the silver surface of the vinyl. Art and design engages all of us, whether we have a disability or not. We are all automatically drawn to art, because it gives us something different to look at every time and there are so many possibilities for change. Design is always visual, and as human beings we can’t help but let our senses take over- sight being one of them. So by putting art and design into a sensory room setting, and going extra lengths during the design process to ensure it provides the most appropriate adaptations possible for those with disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or visual impairments, as well as sensory processing disorders, means that this kind of art work in a sensory room could only be successful. By aiming to promote engagement, play, physical and visual interaction within these settings, with the chosen target audience, this kind of art work may aid social development, alongside play and communication skills. Whether this happens through engaging in conversations with individuals about the art work on the walls, or whether it is simply through touch, sight and interaction. It gives an opportunity for individuals to become involved in the art work together, sharing its visuals and engaging in sociability.
Again this final collection when provided within the correct setting, could be suitable to either gender and any age range amongst people with learning disabilities.