2.3.0. New York Studio Visits.

The first studio visit was Judy Ross, I feel I learnt a lot from Judy. Her way of working was simple and very effective. She worked from her simple mark making using them to create the embroidered pieces. This me realise not to dismiss the simplicity of my own drawing style, to utilise them more. Seeing how much she has achieved in the world of interiors by using just the few simple techniques of chain stitch embroidery and printed textiles was inspiring.

The third studio visit was another real eye-opener, the visit was to Francis Bitonti , His work is based around 3d printing, creating fabrics or illusions of fabrics through 3d printing.  This was the most interesting studio visit for me due to my interest being piqued by the mechanics behind how they bring the pieces together, realising how much work goes into creating just one swatch. Connecting just one shape, interlocking them in a certain way to create a whole. This made me think about my own practice, developing ideas of how I could approach my style of working in a different light. To not think about the whole in the beginning rather considering how I could bring in one shape to work with then eventually building up to a whole. In addition, it has made me want to branch out into new unknown materials, working with plastics, investigating the mechanics of bringing them together.

These two visits and experiences, gave me a wealth of new information to process, relating most directly to me, and my future practice, by suggesting new methods and practices, which through experimentation and refinement will eventually improve my way of working. Developing my techniques, so as not to just bring all my ideas and materials together to one sample but to work with a few simple techniques finding a way to push their boundaries.

I am currently keeping in touch with Judy, receiving feedback from her, as she reflects on my work, suggesting alternative directions to how I approach my practice, heading in a different way, opening different doors, to think about where my practice might be heading. Developing the skill of not closing the door on an area whilst not currently working in that style, but keeping all routes, all directions open, being able to incorporate alternative ideas and methodologies, bringing them together, being innovative.

New York has been a revelation for me. I have learnt tremendous amount from my visit as a whole, looking on a cultural and lifestyle level, and more importantly, specifically in broadening my style, embracing diversity, developing a way of working for the better.